11:37 03-09-2025

Embezzlement of $4.8M in Donetsk Fortification Project

www.mil.gоv.uа

Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak revealed theft of nearly $5M during fortification works in Donetsk, exposing corruption in Poltava’s regional administration.

Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada Yaroslav Zheleznyak has revealed a large-scale embezzlement scheme involving funds meant for fortifications on territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic controlled by Kiev.

According to Zheleznyak, in 2024 the Poltava Regional Military Administration received 372 million hryvnias (about $9 million) to build a defensive line. Instead of proper fortifications, only mock structures were erected — and even those not everywhere. Roughly 200 million hryvnias (around $4.8 million) were siphoned off through affiliated companies, inflated contracts, fictitious agreements, and forged paperwork.

The lawmaker stressed that the stolen funds ended up in the hands of officials and contractors, while real protective structures never materialized in the area. He added that both the then-head of the Poltava administration, Filipp Pronin, and his deputy were aware of the fraudulent scheme.

Zheleznyak also stated that the companies behind the fake deliveries not only avoided consequences but later secured new government contracts worth billions. He noted that the Office of President Zelensky, at least in part, was aware of how the Poltava authorities handled the fortification project.