Ukrainian lawyer defending Russian serviceman found slain

A Ukrainian lawyer, defending a Russian intelligence officer captured in eastern Ukraine, was found dead in a forest near Kyiv Friday.

Yuri Grabovsky's body was discovered with a gunshot wound, buried in a forest 125 kilometres from Kyiv. A suspect in the killing directed police to the grisly find.

"Provisionally, I can say that(Grabovsky) was killed in a violent way and finished off with a firearm," said Anatoly Matios, Ukraine's chief military prosecutor.

Provisionally, I can say that... (Grabovsky) was killed in a violent way and finished off with a firearm- AnatolyMatios, Ukraine's chief military prosecutor

Grabovskydisappeared March 6whilereturning to Kyiv after a business appointment inOdessa, in southern Ukraine.

Ukraine's National Association of lawyers said in a statement "we have all lost a talented, energetic, rational and dedicated attorney."

Grabovsky was involved in the last stages of a trial for a Russian citizen, Alexander Alexandrov. He and Yevgeny Yerofeyevwere captured in May 2015, by Ukrainian soldiers; they are charged with illegal possession of weapons and involvement in a terrorist organization.

Russia has long argued there are no active Russian servicemen inside eastern Ukraine. Even though Alexandrov and Yerofeyev admitted they were Russian soldiers, the Kremlin argues they were on leave from their jobs in Russia's military intelligence service.

Their trial was adjourned in early March when Grabovsky didn't show up for court.

The two Russians on trial are part of a potential prisoner exchangefor Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian Air Force pilot, sentenced this week to 22 years in a Russian penal colony. Her lawyers have been pushing for a prisoner exchange.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said this week he was ready to exchange the two Russians for Savchenko.

The idea was part of discussions yesterday between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has said only Putin will decide whether an exchange will take place.

Savchenko's lead lawyer Mark Feygin tweeted today, "Should I consider lawyer Grabovsky's murder as a warning to me?"