A judge from Vinnytsia region declared interference in justice

The Supreme Court of Justice responded to attempts to influence a judge of the Zhmerynskyi court

Judge of the Zhmerynskyi City District Court of Vinnytsia region Petro Poroshchuk reported two attempts to interfere in the administration of justice, which, despite the symbolic amount of the “reward”, have signs of a criminal offense.

Both incidents occurred on February 24, 2026 and were officially notified to the High Council of Justice on February 26.

“Reward” for self-recusal

The first report concerns a civil case in which the plaintiff applied to the court with a written statement, directly stating that the judge had been given an undue benefit. The purpose of such a “gesture” was to induce the judge to self-recusal – the applicant argued this by his unwillingness to personally contact the judge.

Money was attached to the statement, which, according to the judge, is a direct manifestation of pressure and an attempt to influence the administration of justice.

The second attempt — already with a “tariff” of 2 hryvnia

On the same day, another application was received by the court from the same person — this time within the framework of another proceeding related to the review of the court decision based on newly discovered circumstances.

In the document, the applicant directly called the transferred funds a “bribe,” indicating the amount — 2 hryvnia — and linking it to the fulfillment of the procedural requirements of the court’s decision. As in the first case, money was attached to the application.

Judge Poroshchuk qualified these actions as interference in his activities, as well as an attempt to influence and put pressure on the court.

Criminal proceedings have already been opened

The Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported that criminal proceedings were opened for both facts under Part 1 of Article 376 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (interference in the activities of judicial bodies).

The information was entered into the ERDR on March 4 and 5, 2026. The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators of the Zhmeryn Police Department under the procedural guidance of the District Prosecutor’s Office.

The High Council of Justice will contact the Prosecutor General’s Office

Based on the results of considering the reports, the High Council of Justice decided to contact the Prosecutor General’s Office. The goal is to obtain information about the status of the investigation and the resolution of criminal proceedings.

Symbolic amount – real liability

Despite the fact that the amount of the so-called “illegitimate benefit” looks rather symbolic, the very fact of attempting to influence the court is a serious offense. The law does not make exceptions depending on the size of the “bribe” – the key is the intention to interfere in the administration of justice.