SBU employee suspended – not fired – after fighting soldiers that objected to his Russian music
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A Ukrainian SBU security service employee who played Russian chanson music at a Vinnytsia restaurant before scuffling with soldiers who objected, has been suspended from duty – not fired, the SBU confirmed in a statement to NV on Nov. 13.
Dmytro Syvak listened to the objectionable music in public while celebrating his birthday.
Syvak was suspended from his duties and reassigned under the commander's authority, indicating his job suspension without termination.
Internal security units of the SBU are actively investigating the incidents surrounding an SBU administration employee in the Vinnytsia Oblast that have surfaced in the media.
Such conduct is inappropriate for a soldier, particularly in a time when numerous dedicated and patriotic special service members are fighting the enemy, fighting on the frontlines, and bringing Ukraine closer to victory, the SBU said.
Purging the Service of such individuals is a systemic process that has intensified since Russia’s full-scale invasion and is one of the key priorities in the work of the Service today, said SBU Chairman Vasyl Maliuk.
Earlier, social media reports indicated that Russian chanson music was playing at Syvak's birthday gathering in Vinnytsia's Artal restaurant. Other guests, reportedly soldiers celebrating the birthday of their colleague, took issue with this and a physical fight ensued. The initiator, allegedly, was the SBU employee, and his father Ruslan Syvak.
Law enforcement confirmed the initiation of an investigation under the charge of 'hooliganism.' The penalties under this charge can include up to 5 years of restricted liberty or imprisonment for up to 4 years.
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