Ukraine uncovers massive embezzlement at sensitive time

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said on January 27 that defense officials and the head of an arms company had stolen about 1.5 billion hryvnia by fraudulently purchasing weapons. This information was confirmed by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry , AFP reported.

According to the SBU, the investigation "unmasked officials of the Ministry of Defense and the leadership of the Lviv Arsenal (Ukraine) arms supplier" in the process of purchasing artillery shells.

Detailing the plan, the SBU said a contract for the supply of artillery shells was signed by the Defense Ministry with Lviv Arsenal in August 2022, about six months after the conflict with Russia broke out.

L119 artillery shells used by Ukraine on the front line of Donetsk province

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry then "transferred the entire amount specified in the signed document to the company's account." However, no artillery shells were delivered, and some of the money was transferred to foreign accounts.

Those accused of participating in the scheme include current and former leaders of the Department of Military and Technical Policy, Development of Weapons and Military Equipment of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, as well as the head of the Lviv Arsenal.

The SBU said one suspect in the case was detained while trying to flee the country. The stolen money has been confiscated and will be returned to the defense budget, Reuters reported.

Military corruption is a particularly acute problem in Ukraine as the country seeks to join the European Union (EU).

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov was dismissed in September 2023 over various corruption cases, despite his reputation in talks with Western allies.

Although Mr. Reznikov himself has not been accused of corruption, a number of cases have occurred in the military under his management. Among these, the most prominent are those involving money for providing food and uniforms to the army.

The embezzlement also came to light as US Republicans opposed President Joe Biden's efforts to send more aid to Ukraine.

The incident also comes as former US President Donald Trump, who opposes military support for Kyiv, is a leading candidate for the US presidency.

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