Zelensky dismisses officials implicated in a corrupt scandal
In a significant move against corruption, Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies have uncovered a major scheme involving inflated prices for critical military technologies such as drones and electronic warfare equipment.
The scheme, which was revealed on August 2-3, 2025, saw contractors and officials illegally receiving about 30% of the contract amounts through bribes. This discovery comes just days after Ukraine's parliament reinstated independence for anti-corruption agencies amid public protests and EU pressure.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SABO) announced the discovery. Among those implicated is Alexi Khnetsv, a member of parliament from President Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, who has been suspended from the party bloc pending investigation.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the scheme as "absolutely immoral" and confirmed those responsible have been exposed for taking bribes. This crackdown reflects Ukraine’s intensified efforts to combat corruption amid war and demonstrates the restored independence and effectiveness of its anti-corruption bodies after recent legislative changes.
Initial measures have been taken against those involved in the scheme. Four individuals were detained, and investigations have been initiated within the National Guard. The dismissals of Sergey Haidai, head of the Mukachevo State Administration, and Andry Yurchenko, head of the Rubizhne Municipal Military Administration, were also announced by the President.
Deputy Oleksi Kuznetsov, who is also a member of the Servant of the People party, is among those affected by the allegations of corruption. The announcement of Kuznetsov's suspension was made by David Arajamia on his Telegram channel.
Those guilty of corruption crimes should be punished fairly, regardless of their status and position, according to David Arajamia. He expects a court hearing on this case to be held in a timely manner.
The corruption scheme is part of a series of initiatives against several people involved in a corruption scheme affecting the procurement of military equipment. Several individuals, including deputy, district and municipal administration chiefs, and members of the National Guard of Ukraine, have been indicted for their involvement in the scheme.
The Ukrainian Interior Minister, Igor Klimenko, made the announcement about the investigation within the National Guard. The government’s commitment to rooting out corruption within defense procurement, especially during the ongoing conflict, is underscored by this action. Transparency in using budget funds allocated to the military is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the effective use of resources in times of war.
This news serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption in Ukraine and the government's commitment to holding those involved accountable. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that this crackdown will mark a turning point in the fight against corruption in Ukraine.
The corruption scheme unraveled by Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies, revealed on August 2-3, 2025, extends beyond military technology procurement, encompassing General-News, politics, and crime-and-justice sectors. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SABO) are investigating several individuals, including deputies, district and municipal administration chiefs, and members of the National Guard of Ukraine, for their involvement. Igor Klimenko, the Ukrainian Interior Minister, emphasized the government's commitment to Transparency in using budget funds allocated to the military, as this is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective resource management during ongoing conflicts.
