Andriy Parubiy Murder Suspect Seeks Prisoner Exchange, Son’s Remains
The suspect in the 2025 murder of former Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Andriy Parubiy, Mykhailo Stselnikov, has expressed a desire to be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war and to locate the body of his son, who died in combat near Bakhmut. The statement was made during a preparatory hearing in the Frankivsky District Court of Lviv on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, which was postponed due to a judge’s absence.
Details of the Case
Stselnikov told journalists he had learned of his son’s funeral through fellow inmates. “It’s highly difficult that you can’t just come to the funeral. What should I add? I won’t forgive these people for this. (Which people?) Our authorities,” he stated, according to Pravda.com.ua. He as well indicated a willingness to be transferred to Russia, stating, “I’ll see how it goes.”
The suspect further claimed that $200 was stolen from him during the seizure of his property and requested an investigation into the matter.
During the court proceedings, Stselnikov stated he had been self-employed, repairing household appliances, and had no prior criminal record.
Background of the Murder and Investigation
Andriy Parubiy was shot and killed in Lviv on August 30, 2025. A suspect was detained in the Khmelnytskyi region on September 1, 2025, according to initial reports from Ukrainian authorities.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) completed its pre-trial investigation on March 11, 2026, and submitted the indictment to the court. The SBU has presented evidence suggesting Stselnikov’s involvement in high treason, in addition to the murder charge. Wikipedia reports that investigators believe the suspect had connections to Russian representatives.
Investigators have identified a Makarov pistol as the weapon used in the assassination. Wikipedia
The Son’s Service and Death
Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov, known by the call sign “Lemberg,” served in the 93rd Mechanized Brigade and died in May 2023 in Bakhmut. He is listed as missing in action, with his body yet to be repatriated from the combat zone. His death was confirmed through DNA testing in March 2026, and he was buried in Lviv. Mezha.net
Stselnikov’s ex-wife, Olena Cherninka, authored a book about her son, titled “Lemberg: Mom, Don’t Cry.”
Next Steps
The preparatory hearing in the case has been rescheduled for April 1, 2026, due to the absence of a judge. The court will then proceed with the full trial to determine Stselnikov’s guilt and sentence.
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