Ukraine’s gambling commission chief arrested over ties to Russian online casinos
During searches in the residence of Rudyi who is facing charges of ‘aiding the enemy state, law enforcement team has found cocaine and other drugs.
The DBR said Rudy failed to revoke the license of a Russian-owned online casino after multiple assessments identified its operation as a “threat to national security” as it may have personal data of Ukrainian military personnel, which could have been leaked to Russia.
The casino in question is believed to continue operating in Russia and in Russian-occupied territories. The investigation argued that the owners of the casino funded Russian forces and so-called “war veterans” of the “special military operation”.
While officials failed to name the casino, evidence points to Pin-Up whose owners and top executives had been earlier accused of collaborating with Russia.
In a related move, over 2.6 billion hryvnias were seized from accounts linked to the casino. These funds were redirected by Ukraine’s Asset Recovery and Management Agency to purchase military bonds, supporting the nation’s defense efforts.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).