26 March 2025
(Photo: Intent/Natalia Dovbysh)
The murder of civic activist Demian Hanul in Odesa was carefully planned, not spontaneous.
This was reported by Deputy Head of the National Police of Ukraine Andriy Nebytov in an interview with Censor.net.
He noted that the analysis of the investigative materials shows that the attacker had organized the attempt in advance. The suspect, who had previously served in Odesa region, did not return to his military unit from vacation on February 23, while he had been wanted since March 1.
"According to our information, he did not return from vacation in time because he did not have enough time to organize and execute this murder," said Nebytov.
During the search, a pistol and two grenades were seized from the detainee, and an examination is underway to find out whether these weapons were used in the murder.
Investigators are considering three main versions of the crime: a contract killing organized by Russian special services, liquidation due to the activist's public activities, and personal animosity. However, the latter version, according to law enforcement officials, is unlikely, as the killer and the victim did not even know each other.
The police are considering three versions of the crime, but the priority is an order from Russian special services. Other possible motives include the murder because of Hanul's public activities and personal animosity, although the latter seems unlikely at this point.
The National Police is working on the investigation together with the SBU.
In 2024, the SBU had already warned Hanul about a possible assassination attempt by Russia. According to friends of the deceased, he could have been followed in early March.
Nebytov emphasized that the National Police is working on the investigation together with the SBU.
The high-profile murder of the Odesa activist took place on March 14 in the Prymorskyi district of Odesa. The man who shot Demian Hanul fled the scene, but was soon detained by law enforcement.
The police opened a criminal investigation into the murder of the public figure. The incident was classified as a contract killing.
On March 19, activist Demian Hanul was laid to rest in Odesa. Intenta's photojournalist was present at the funeral ceremony.
Demian Hanul, who was 31 years old, was a well-known public figure, blogger and leader of the right-wing radical organization Street Front. In 2014-2016, he was the head of the Right Sector's power unit in Odesa. Hanul took an active part in the Revolution of Dignity and the clashes of May 2, 2014, opposing pro-Russian forces.
He initiated numerous actions against illegal construction, advocated for the return of the Summer Theater in Odesa to the community, and insisted on the dismantling of monuments to Soviet figures. In addition, Hanul was engaged in volunteer activities, helping the Ukrainian military.
In November 2021, he organized a rally in front of the Russian consulate in Odesa, bringing a coffin with the words "Cargo 200" and "Russians are coming home." The following year, on his initiative, the walls of the former consulate were decorated with patriotic graffiti.
Due to his active social activities, Hanul was repeatedly attacked. In 2020, his car was burned at a service station and later shelled near Vyzyrka. Unknown persons also smashed his car with bats.
In 2023, he was attacked in Odesa by men in military uniforms. The police immediately opened a criminal investigation, and the military command launched an internal investigation into the possible involvement of the military in the attack.
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