Maldives Trip While On “Sick Leave” Amid War, Ukraine MP Triggers Zelensky’s Wrath, Faces Jail

Ukrainian MP Yuriy Aristov has resigned after being accused of faking sick leave to take his family to a luxury hotel in the Maldives. He initially went to Poland for a work trip but later claimed sick leave and travelled to a 5-star hotel in the Maldives. However, wartime restrictions prevent officials from leaving Ukraine, and men aged 18 to 60 need special permission to do so. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed strong disapproval of such actions, citing internal betrayal during the war. A criminal case has been opened against Aristov for forgery, which could lead to a three-year imprisonment.