Motor Sich is a leading producer of aircraft engines and the largest armaments factory in Ukraine. The company's best-known turbine is probably the Ivchenko Progress D-18 turbofan, which powers the variants of the large Antonov AN-124 freighters. Now, its former General Director, 83-year-old Vyacheslav Boguslayev, has been detained on charges of collaborating with the Russian armed forces.
Ukrainian investigators broke open Boguslayev's front door in his Zaporizhzhia residence last Saturday (22OCT22), searched his property and arrested him. According to local media, he is accused
of high treason for allegedly cooperating with the Russian military. Following the raid, he was taken to Kyiv, where he will be charged with treason, they report. If Boguslayev is convicted, he
faces a life sentence.
Ukrainian journalist, Iryna Romaliyska, wrote in social media that the ex-head of the turbine manufacturer was long known for his pro-Russian views, and was suspected of having supplied Russia
with parts for helicopters and aircraft even after Putin’s troops invaded Ukraine.
Wide range of industrial production
Zaporizhzhia-based Motor Sich is one of the largest engine manufacturers worldwide for both commercial and military aircraft as well as helicopters. It also produces industrial marine gas
turbines and installations. The company inherited some of the former Soviet Union’s aero engine manufacturing capabilities. It developed and supplied turbofan, turboprop, and rotary-wing
turboshaft engines that power aircraft in Russian service, such as Mi- and Ka-series military helicopters. Motor Sich was transferred to state ownership on 24MAR22, following a decision by the
National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
Boguslayev is facing serios accusations
Some of the above-mentioned aircraft are also utilized to support Russian troops who have been waging war against Ukraine on its territory since 24FEB22. If the suspicion is confirmed that
through Boguslayev’s influence, military equipment was still being supplied to the Russians after the start of their invasion, he will be most likely be accused of war crimes and crimes against
humanity.
Boguslayev is one of the best-known names in Ukraine. In addition to his management activities at Motor Sich, he was also a deputy of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th convocations of the Verkhovna
Rada. This is the Supreme Council of Ukraine and composed of 450 deputies. His political career ended in 2019, when he was defeated in his hometown Zaporizhzhia by a candidate of a competing
party in the parliamentary elections.
Heiner Siegmund
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