Today, Sunday, the government of Ukraine fired the deputy minister of urban development on suspicion of bribery, and the Ministry of Defense announced the opening of an investigation into accusations of overstating contracts for the supply of food intended for the military, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal. via Telegram: “The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decides to release Luzhinkich V.M. from the position of Deputy Minister of Municipal and Territorial Development and Infrastructure of Ukraine.
This happened the day after the arrest of the official on suspicion of involvement in corruption.
Yesterday, Saturday, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau reported that Vasily Luzinchich, who has been in this position since May 2020, “received $400,000 to facilitate the conclusion of contracts for the purchase of equipment and generators at inflated prices,” and Ukraine faces a shortage of electricity after Russian strikes on energy facilities.
Theft and bribery have been common in Ukraine for decades.
In another case involving allegations of corruption, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense refuted allegations by local media that it was entering into supply contracts at prices “two to three times higher” than market prices for basic foodstuffs.
According to the ZNA news website, the value of the signed contract for 2023 is about 13 billion hryvnia, or $350 million at the current exchange rate.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine replied that it “purchases these products in the manner prescribed by law”, considering the media reports “erroneous.”
The ministry added that the reports were “published for the purpose of manipulation”, referring to the “preparation of documents” in order to open an investigation into the “dissemination” of this “knowingly false” information, which “damages the interests of the defense.” during an exceptional period.
And the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine emphasized the “principle of zero tolerance for corruption”, emphasizing that “it is under control” in relation to the concluded agreements.
But an “internal review” and an “emergency meeting” chaired by Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov scheduled for Monday were announced to shed light on “the order and circumstances of food procurement for the military in 2023.”
In its statement, the Ukrainian ministry assured that “in case of violations in the activities of officials of the Ministry of Defense, they will be held accountable in accordance with applicable law.”
