The director of the memorial cemetery is being investigated over the draft deferment (‘reservation’) granted to political strategist Petrov

An investigation is underway into the director of the National Military Memorial Cemetery, Yaroslav Proniutkyn, over the alleged fictitious employment—arranged in order to secure a mobilization exemption (“reservation”)—of political strategist Volodymyr Petrov, who is considered close to the Presidential Office.

Member of parliament Danylo Hetmantsev wrote about the probe on his Telegram channel, citing statements by Minister for Veterans Affairs Nataliia Kalmykova made during her address to the Verkhovna Rada.

The MP from the “Servant of the People” party called Petrov a “war propagandist,” a “draft dodger,” and a “devil,” and threatened him with criminal liability.

“I have no questions for the minister—the answer was adequate and timely. It’s important that the director who forged documents about the ‘employment’ and the reservation of that devil receives the punishment required by law. We’re watching this. As well as the effort to bring the whole merry gang of propagandists under the Petrov-Ivanov name (Serhii Ivanov is Petrov’s co-host on the YouTube channel ‘Icelandia’—Ed.) to criminal liability too, though in other cases. I want to address law enforcement who are, evidently, slowing down simple lawful decisions: don’t get involved with scum, don’t take on what isn’t yours. Society sees everything and won’t let them avoid responsibility. There’s no need to expand the circle of those to blame,” Hetmantsev wrote.

According to media reports, Proniutkyn and Petrov are long-time friends.

Recently, media reports were officially confirmed that Petrov received a deferment from military service by taking a job at the state institution “National Military Memorial Cemetery.” Later, the institution reported that Petrov had been dismissed.