Kharkiv Court Sentences Husband to 15 Years for Ballet Choreographer’s Murder

In Kharkiv, on September 30, 2025, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court issued a verdict in the case of the murder of Maria Kholodna, the ballet mistress of the Kharkiv Academic Theater of Musical Comedy. According to the investigation, on February 17, 2024 her body was dismembered and attempts were made to burn it. The husband of the deceased was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. The court partially satisfied the claims for material and moral damages. The defendant’s counsel Oleksiy Zelentsov did not comment on the verdict.

“Frankly, there were abusive relationships. He drank. Maria, so to speak, complained about it, so we knew all this. And we told investigators these details. And also what we knew about them living apart, that she was planning to divorce, that he wanted to take Sashko”

Before the hearing, the deceased’s friend also said that Maria wanted to end the marriage, and explained why the circumstances of the case cause deep concern for the family.

“The situation now looks like that because Oleksiy’s father holds a position – he is the director of a school, he has connections, there are connections in the family – so now we can expect that his sentence could be reduced to the minimum. I understand that their side is working specifically on this… Of course, we hope that it will be the maximum 15 years. Although in my view it should be life, because everything indicates that it was planned, that it was prepared in advance, but such is our legal system”

According to the investigation, Maria Kholodna was killed on February 17; the remains of her body were found on February 24. The murder is suspected against her husband Oleksiy. The couple has a 12-year-old son. Since 2024 the family lived separately. According to the investigation, after separation, the husband tracked his wife, gained access to her messengers, and read every message.

“I fully acknowledge my guilt in relation to the criminal proceedings. Everything is true. I confirm. Everything that is in the criminal case is true. I committed this crime. I repent”

The investigation report notes that the inquiry lasted over a year, and the court’s ruling took into account the evidence and circumstances, including the intent and the nature of the unlawful actions. The court’s decision on material and moral compensation also aims to partially offset the damage caused to the family.

Context of the Incident and Its Consequences

This case underscores the seriousness of domestic violence issues and their consequences for those close to the victims. The trial addressed not only the circumstances of the tragedy itself but also questions of control and trust within the marriage, as well as the impact of such dynamics on the safety of loved ones.

What Happens Next

After the verdict, requests for material and moral compensation and any appeals will be considered. The rights and obligations of the parties remain in force under Ukrainian law, and the case could serve as an example for similar court proceedings involving violent acts within families.