Ukraine anti-corruption agencies unearth CORRUPTION in military drone procurement
08/05/2025 / By Ramon Tomey
- Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies (NABU and SAPO) exposed a bribery and embezzlement network involving military drone and electronic warfare procurement – implicating a lawmaker, officials and military personnel.
- The group allegedly siphoned millions from defense budgets via inflated contracts (e.g., $35,900 in bribes on a $119,660 jamming system deal) and kickbacks totaling 30 percent of contract values since 2024.
- Zelensky reversed a controversial law that weakened NABU/SAPO’s independence after public protests and EU warnings, reaffirming reforms critical for Ukraine’s EU accession bid.
- Key figures implicated include lawmaker Oleksii Kuznietsov (Zelensky’s party), regional head Serhii Haidai, and military official Andrii Yurchenko, fueling public distrust.
- The scandal highlights Ukraine’s struggle to balance anti-corruption efforts with wartime needs, as Western allies scrutinize aid effectiveness ($100B+ from the U.S.).
Ukraine’s embattled anti-corruption agencies have uncovered a sprawling bribery and embezzlement network in the country’s procurement of military drones and electronic warfare systems.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) revealed the scheme in a Facebook post Saturday, Aug. 2. It reportedly involved a sitting lawmaker, regional officials and military personnel.
The suspects reportedly conspired to pilfer millions of dollars from defense budgets meant to fortify the nation against Russian attacks. Funds were siphoned through inflated contracts, compromising equipment quality while lining pockets.
While the initial statement did not name the conspirators, Ukrainska Pravda made their identities public. Among those implicated were:
- People’s Deputy Oleksii Kuznietsov, a member of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People (SN) party.
- Serhii Haidai, a regional administration head.
- Andrii Yurchenko, a city military official.
Investigators allege the group orchestrated “systematic misappropriation” of local defense funds since 2024, taking kickbacks worth 30 percent of contract values. One deal involved Yastruby Peremohy 6D jamming systems priced at $119,660 – with $35,900 paid in bribes. Another deal saw an inflated first-person-view drone contract by $80,000. (Related: Corrupt Ukraine official found with $6 million in cash allegedly obtained by providing medical exemptions to men avoiding conscription.)
Anti-corruption backslide puts Ukraine’s democracy in question
The scandal strikes at a precarious moment. Earlier, Zelensky reversed course on a law that had gutted NABU and SAPO’s independence following mass protests and EU warnings.
The July 22 measure, which placed the agencies under the prosecutor general’s control, was branded a “serious step back” by European officials. Kuznietsov notably voted for it, fueling public distrust. Western allies had cautioned that backsliding on anti-corruption reforms could delay Ukraine’s EU accession – a key strategic goal.
Zelensky, now positioning himself as a reform defender, signed a new law on July 31 overturning the measure that compromised the two agencies’ independence – but not before outrage from Ukrainians forced him to walk back. The comedian-turned-president, who is also a member of SN, praised NABU’s “zero tolerance” approach and lauded the reinstated independence law as “well-balanced.”
Historically, Ukraine’s corruption crises have eroded public faith during pivotal conflicts. The 2014 Maidan revolution overthrew a regime infamous for graft. Aid from various countries following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war – over $100 billion from the U.S. alone – demanded scrutiny.
This case underscores a lingering dilemma: balancing wartime urgency with accountability. For Ukraine’s Western backers, the question is whether Kyiv can root out rot while fighting a war.
As suspects face detention, the agencies vow further probes. “The state must hear its citizens,” Zelensky declared – a nod to protesters who forced his U-turn. With EU membership and military readiness at stake, Ukraine’s crackdown may prove a litmus test for its democratic resilience.
Head over to Corruption.news for more similar stories.
Watch Russian President Vladimir Putin pointing out that Ukraine is known worldwide for its corruption in this clip.
This video is from the Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Where did the money go? Zelensky exposes $102 billion black hole in U.S. aid to Ukraine.
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Tagged Under:
Andrii Yurchenko, big government, conspiracy, corruption, crime, electronic warfare systems, embezzlement, military contracts, military drones, military procurement, National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuznietsov, outrage, real investigations, Serhii Haidai, signal jammers, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky
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