Kyiv – New allegations of corruption have emerged in Ukraine, implicating individuals close to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The accusations, presented to Ukraine’s parliamentary investigative committee on Monday, center on claims of bribery involving former intelligence chief Ivan Bakanov and Andriy Naumov, a former head of the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) internal security department. The developments come as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war and seeks to solidify international support.
Businessman Serhiy Vaganjan testified before the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament), alleging a scheme where Bakanov and Naumov accepted millions of dollars in bribes. Vaganjan claimed to possess photographic and video evidence supporting his accusations, stating the total sum involved reached “tens of millions of dollars.” The full recording of the hearing is available online here. These allegations add to a growing scrutiny of corruption within Ukraine, a key concern for Western allies providing substantial financial and military aid.
Allegations Detail a System of Bribes
Vaganjan detailed a system where Bakanov and Naumov allegedly exploited Ukraine’s sanctions regime for personal gain, effectively turning it into a “personal business project.” He asserted he paid substantial sums, including profits from grain exports, in exchange for assurances of avoiding regulatory issues. According to Vaganjan, Naumov systematically created obstacles for businesses in the agricultural and healthcare sectors – through inspections and cargo delays – and then demanded millions of dollars to resolve them. He specifically cited a payment of six million hryvnias (approximately €117,000) he was forced to produce to ensure a cargo ship could depart from the port of Odesa without obstruction.
The Ukrainian sanctions regime is a system of state-imposed, non-military restrictions that Ukraine can apply to individuals, companies, or states deemed a threat to its national security, sovereignty, or economy. Vaganjan testified that Bakanov, a long-time friend of Zelenskyy dating back to school, was appointed head of the SBU due to this close relationship. He further claimed Bakanov lacked a deep understanding of the SBU’s operations, with Naumov effectively running the agency. Vaganjan stated Naumov did not directly communicate with the President, instead relaying information through Bakanov, who “handled everything that needed to be reported to the President.”
Claims of Funds Reaching Zelenskyy
Perhaps the most serious allegation made by Vaganjan was the claim that Bakanov subsequently transferred the collected bribes directly to President Zelenskyy. When asked about this possibility, Vaganjan responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I think so.” This claim has prompted significant attention from Ukrainian media. TSN, one of Ukraine’s largest television networks, described the testimony as “shocking” according to a report on Wednesday.
Vaganjan also stated that other businesspeople possess evidence corroborating his claims but are currently too intimidated to come forward, alleging that Bakanov and Naumov retain influence within security circles. He initially made these accusations in a YouTube interview with Boryslav Berez, an ex-member of parliament and former spokesperson for the extremist Right Sector group, last month.
Context and Ongoing Investigations
These allegations follow previous reports of corruption concerns within Ukraine. In January 2026, President Zelenskyy warned of a new wave of “massive attacks” on the country’s energy infrastructure, alleging Russia was preparing to exploit freezing temperatures to cripple the power grid as reported by Aktuality.sk. The timing of these new corruption claims, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia and the need for continued international aid, is particularly sensitive. Ukraine is heavily reliant on financial assistance from Western partners, and concerns about corruption could potentially impact future support.
President Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych and his father, Mykhailo Heraskevych, in Munich on February 15, 2026, according to the official website of the President of Ukraine. This meeting occurred during Zelenskyy’s visit to the Munich Security Conference, where he also met with partners in the Berlin Format and leadership of a Ukrainian-German drone production venture.
The Verkhovna Rada’s investigative commission is expected to continue its investigation into these allegations. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers. It remains to be seen whether the claims will lead to formal charges or further shakeup within Ukraine’s government.
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