Austrian prosecutors have extended the detention of two Ukrainian citizens until 20 November, the public broadcaster ORF reports.
The Vienna prosecutor's office said the suspects will remain in custody because of a flight risk, potential obstruction of the investigation and the possibility of further offences. Investigators claim the men carried out covert observation of a specific “object” and are charged with secret intelligence activity that could have harmed Austria. Both deny the accusations.
Individuals linked to the case
According to the publication, one of the suspects is likely former Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Krawchenko, who is currently outside the country. Witnesses say the same “object” was also monitored by Ukrainian Truth operator Yaroslav Bondarenko.
Bondarenko was detained on 9 October in Vienna together with journalist Mykhailo Tkach, who was in the same car. Both were later released, but ORF, citing the prosecutor’s office, notes that the journalists remain suspects and the investigation into them continues. Mykhailo Tkach has already returned to Ukraine.
Investigation context
The case is being handled by Austria’s State Security and Intelligence Directorate. Austria’s interior minister Gerhard Karner previously announced the detention of the two Ukrainians, who are believed to be linked to military intelligence.
Earlier, Ukrainian Truth reported that Bondarenko sustained injuries during his arrest in Vienna and was hospitalized. Krawchenko has claimed that “violent actions” were being prepared against him in Austria by order of the President’s Office, but these statements reflect his personal position and do not substantiate the charges.
