UA.NEWS has sent a follow-up inquiry to the Odessa branch of the "Batkivshchyna" party regarding the political plans of former prosecutor Verbytskyi
The editorial staff of UA.NEWS sent a follow-up inquiry to the Odesa regional branch of the All-Ukrainian Union "Batkivshchyna" regarding reports of a possible political career for former Deputy Prosecutor General Dmytro Verbytskyi within the party.
Headlines
Former Prosecutor Dmytro Verbytskyi, who left his post amid scandal in the summer of 2024 following investigations into illicit enrichment, is reportedly preparing to return to public politics. According to UA.NEWS sources, he is considering the possibility of collaborating with the Odessa branch of the All-Ukrainian Union “Batkivshchyna,” particularly due to his ties with the head of the city organization, Dmytro Zheman.
What journalists are asking
Due to the lack of a response to the first inquiry dated March 5, the editorial staff contacted Oleg Radkovsky, head of the Odessa Regional Union, requesting clarification on the party’s position:
- Are there negotiations regarding Verbytskyi’s joining the ranks of “Batkivshchyna” or his work within the party’s Odesa structures?
- Are there ethical filters within the political party that would prevent individuals with a tarnished reputation from joining the ranks of “Batkivshchyna”?
- What is the nature of the relationship between Dmytro Verbytskyi and Dmytro Zheman (head of the Odesa City Organization of the All-Ukrainian Union “Batkivshchyna”)?
However, as of April 10, 2026, no response had been received from the BYuT, which may indicate a deliberate cover-up by the Odesa regional organization of the “Batkivshchyna” All-Ukrainian Union of socially significant information regarding the scandal-ridden former prosecutor.
Background of the Scandal
Dmytro Verbytskyi became the subject of a series of high-profile investigations by the “Schemes” project (Radio Liberty) and other media outlets. Journalists discovered that the prosecutor and his associates were using property worth millions of dollars:
- A cottage in the town of “Konik” worth about $500,000, purchased at a price six times below market value.
- A luxury Porsche and a beauty salon in an upscale residential complex for the prosecutor’s partner.
- Real estate in Turkey and assets that do not correspond to his official income.
Following significant public outcry and the opening of a criminal investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), Verbytsky was dismissed from the Office of the Prosecutor General at his own request. However, the former prosecutor’s recent appearances at public events alongside figures implicated in the Odesa “schemes” confirm his intention to remain in the game.
Context and Legal Basis
The editorial team emphasizes the right of citizens to know about the plans of public figures, especially those seeking political office. According to the Law “On Access to Public Information,” political parties are considered custodians of information regarding their members and candidates if such information is in the public interest.
UA.NEWS continues to monitor the situation and awaits an official response from Oleg Radkovsky within the timeframe established by law.
As a reminder, in Odesa, Dmytro Verbytskyi has a joint business venture with Verbytskyi’s nephew and the family of the new head of the city’s party branch, Dmytro Zheman.
The business is called Baltic Auto Shipping Ukraine LLC. As of 2025, the company is jointly owned by Yevhen Verbytskyi (the former prosecutor’s nephew) and Tetiana Zheman—Dmytro Zheman’s wife.
At the same time, Verbytskyi, no longer holding an official position, retains influence over logistics operations in the Odesa region. The central entity in this scheme is likely Raido Terminal LLC, which operates in the state-owned Pivdennyi Port.
