Police detains suspect after Ukrainian activist Demyan Hanul shot dead in central Odesa

This was reported by Ihor Klymenko.

“The man suspected of murdering the activist has been detained. In the apartment where he was hiding, a weapon was found, which was allegedly used to commit the crime,” the Interior Minister wrote.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed that Klymenko had reported on the detention of a suspect in the murder of Hanul in Odesa. The circumstances of the crime are currently being investigated.

“Dozens of investigators, operatives, and criminalists are involved in solving this crime. All the circumstances of its commission are being clarified. I have instructed the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the Head of the SBU, and the Acting Prosecutor General to engage all necessary forces and means to establish all the facts,” Zelenskyy said.

The SBU reported that the detained suspect is a 46-year-old military deserter. An investigation is currently underway under the Criminal Code article on premeditated murder.

“Investigative and operative measures are ongoing. Possible motives for the crime are being worked out, including versions of the contract killing and the “Russian trace,” the Security Service added.

Demian Hanul, 31, was a well-known public activist, blogger, founder, and leader of the right-wing radical organization Street Front, a participant in the Revolution of Dignity and the May 2 confrontation against pro-Russian forces in Odesa.

Hanul has repeatedly initiated actions against illegal developments, advocated for the return of the Summer Theater in Odesa to the community, and contributed to the dismantling of Soviet monuments. He also was active in charity fundraisers for the military.