Why Viktor Baransky, a collaborator and traitor, escaped prison

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to strip of citizenship Viktor Baransky, an Odesa city councillor and businessman with a long history of pro-Russian activities, raises more questions than it answers. 

Instead of criminal prosecution for a list of offences, including treason, fraud, smuggling, and violation of international sanctions, Baransky was merely stripped of his Ukrainian passport.

Baransky: a biography of scandals and betrayal

Baransky is known for his activities in the interests of Russia and the pro-Russian Opposition Platform — For Life party. His biography includes:

• Pro-Russian stance: Since 2014, he has supported the "Russian Spring" and the so-called "Bessarabian People's Republic", and funded the illegal formations of the "DNR" and "LNR".
• Export of Venezuelan oil: The company Fides Ship Management, linked to Baransky, organised the transport of oil from Venezuela in circumvention of US sanctions. The company's tankers also carried Russian oil, including during the period after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Funding of the occupation authorities: He used his offshore companies to transfer funds to the occupation administrations.
• Activities in Odesa: Together with other Opposition Platform — For Life deputies, he attempted to cut funding for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, blocked pro-Ukrainian initiatives, and even supported ideas of "de-Zelenskysing" Ukraine.

Why stripping of citizenship instead of prison?

At first glance, stripping of citizenship looks like a punishment. But, given the circumstances, this step is baffling.

1. Evading responsibility:
   Stripping of citizenship effectively frees Ukraine from legal obligations to hand Baransky over to the US. Now Ukraine can claim that he is not its citizen and is not obliged to cooperate in his case.

2. Potential reward:
   Baransky has held a Romanian passport for many years, which allows him to continue his activities in another jurisdiction. Stripping him of Ukrainian citizenship does not cause him tangible harm and rather eases his position.

3. Lack of action by Ukrainian authorities:
   Despite numerous accusations, the SBU and other law enforcement agencies have not taken serious steps for years to investigate and hold Baransky accountable. This raises questions about the degree of state control over its own affairs.

Political questions

Zelensky's decision also raises questions about his entourage. Who provided the president with the list for stripping of citizenship, which included Baransky? Why was such an odious figure, whose activities harmed Ukraine's national security, not included among those subject to criminal prosecution?

Conclusions

The situation with Baransky is not just an example of the inefficiency of the state system. It is a signal that even after Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has still failed to deal with some internal threats. Stripping of citizenship instead of prison creates a precedent of impunity for people who actively undermine the country's sovereignty.

The question of why outright traitors get off with such "punishments" remains open.