Mikhail Stselnikov, accused of killing former Verkhovna Rada speaker Andriy Parubiy, said he carried out an act of revenge for his son, who had been mobilised and killed.

He argued that the authorities, in power since 2014, have not been held accountable, noting five years as chairman of the Verkhovna Rada and near‑leadership of the country, and insisted such a person must answer for his actions.