Criminal
The 2012 procedure code, plus war crimes and collaboration offences
The Criminal Code of 2001 and the 2012 Criminal Procedure Code apply, the latter having introduced the investigating judge and a 72-hour detention limit. Since 2022 new offences on collaboration and unauthorised dissemination of troop information have been added.
Key rules
- Detention without a court decision may not exceed 72 hours.
- An investigating judge authorises searches, surveillance and remand.
- Article 438 covers violations of the laws and customs of war and has no limitation period.
- Martial law extended some procedural time limits and allows prosecutorial authorisation where courts cannot sit.
Governing law
- Criminal Code of Ukraine (2001)
- Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine (2012)
- Law on amendments concerning collaboration activity (2022)Articles 111-1 and 111-2.
Penalties and consequences
- Fines in tax-free minimum income units and community work.
- Imprisonment, generally up to 15 years.
- Life imprisonment for the gravest offences, including war crimes causing death.
In practice
Free legal aid is available at the point of detention through the regional centres, and the detainee register means counsel can verify where a person is held rather than relying on the police.