**Suspect Pleads Guilty to Murder of Odesa Activist**
A man accused of killing a well-known Ukrainian activist has pleaded guilty to the crime. Serhii Shalaiev, 46, was charged with premeditated murder and illegal handling of weapons in connection with the death of Demyan Hanul.
Hanul, 31, was shot dead in central Odesa on March 14. He was a public figure who had been involved in various social and political activities, including Ukraine’s EuroMaidan Revolution.
Shalaiev pleaded guilty to the murder during a closed court hearing on March 16, according to regional prosecutor Ruslan Veremchuk. The suspect was detained hours after the shooting and identified as a deserter by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Prosecutors are still investigating whether Shalaiev acted alone or was part of a larger plot to kill Hanul. One possible version of the investigation is that it was a contract killing linked to Hanul’s political activism.
**Background on Demyan Hanul**
Demyan Hanul was a 31-year-old public figure and blogger who founded the Street Front NGO. He was active in rallies supporting Ukraine, charity fundraisers for the military, and campaigns to dismantle Soviet and imperial monuments.
Hanul had previously reported threats against his life, including a $10,000 bounty being offered for an attack on him. In July 2024, he claimed that Russian sources had leaked personal information about his relatives.
**Investigation into Hanul’s Murder**
The investigation into Hanul’s murder is ongoing, with dozens of law enforcement officials involved. The Ukrainian authorities are working to determine whether Shalaiev acted alone or was part of a larger plot.
**Reaction from Ukraine and International Community**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the murder of Demyan Hanul and praised the efforts of law enforcement officials investigating the crime.
The international community has also reacted to the news, with Western leaders reiterating their support for Ukraine following a virtual summit hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.