For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid email address
SIGN UP
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice
Thanks for signing up to the
Breaking News email
{{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly declared details of his income in a bid to reassure allies of Kyiv’s grip on corruption, after military officials were accused of a major embezzlement scheme.
The income of the Ukrainian president declined in 2021 and again in 2022 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February, according to his presidential website.
Mr Zelensky’s income fell by 12m Ukrainian hryvnia (￡250,000) in 2021 from the previous year as he and his family reported a total income of 10.8m hryvnia (￡220,000).
In 2022, the Zelensky family income dropped further to 3.7m hryvnia (￡77,000) as he earned less rental income from properties he owns because of the outbreak of the war.
Mr Zelensky disclosed his earnings after Ukraine’s security service uncovered a massive corruption scheme involving arms purchases worth about ￡32m.
RECOMMENDED
Alyssa Milano defends GoFundMe for son’s baseball trip amid backlash
‘Shocking’ new Netflix series Griselda sets Rotten Tomatoes milestone
Buying Nvidia? Wall Street Legend Issues Urgent A.I. Stock WarningChaikin Analytics | Sponsored Sponsored
If Players Knew This They Would Never Stop PlayingBuzzDaily Winners | Sponsored Sponsored
CCPA Notice
The SBU said that five officials have been charged with embezzling state money – not foreign aid – earmarked to buy 100,000 mortar shells for the war in August 2022.
Promoted stories
The Truth About Keeping Muscle Mass After Age 50primenutritionsecrets.com
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Corruption in the Ukrainian army has emerged as a major roadblock in Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union as continued financial and military assistance to Kyiv hangs in the balance.
A former comedian and actor, Mr Zelensky entered office in 2019 on the promise of fighting widespread corruption in the country.
Those critical of government funding to Ukraine have raised concerns over its long history of corruption. Western allies and international bodies like the International Monetary Fund have sought assurances on efforts to eliminate corruption while providing billions in financial aid to support the country against Russia’s invasion.
The SBU said its investigation has implicated both current and former high-ranking officials from the defence ministry, as well as managers of the arms supplier Lviv Arsenal. These individuals were entrusted with procuring 100,000 mortar shells for the military, with funds provided in advance in August 2022. Despite the payment, the shells were never delivered.
“After receiving the funds, the company’s management transferred part of the money to the balance sheet of a foreign commercial structure that was supposed to deliver the ordered ammunition to Ukraine,” the statement said. “However, it did not send a single artillery shell to our country, and took the received funds into the shadows, transferring them to the accounts of another affiliated structure in the Balkans.”
The stolen funds have been seized by the government and “the question of their return to the budget of Ukraine is being resolved,” it said.
RECOMMENDED
Passenger on nine-month cruise shares alleged word that travellers can’t say
Trump watchdog discovers major loan deal that ‘never existed’
People in Los Angeles are Loving Martha Stewart's Meal KitMartha Stewart & Marley Spoon | Sponsored Sponsored
New Cleaning Tool Breaks All Sales Records in U. S.Spin Power Scrubber | Sponsored Sponsored
The fraud happened during the tenure of former defence minister Oleksii Reznikov, who was ousted from his position last year amid various high-profile accusations of corruption within the ministry.
In efforts to increase transparency and rebuild trust, Mr Zelensky has called on all public officials to disclose their incomes regularly.
More about Volodymyr Zelensky Kyiv Russia Ukraine
Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
3Comments
1/ 1Zelensky publishes details of income in anti-corruption drive
Zelensky publishes details of income in anti-corruption drive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Ukrainian students during a meeting along with Polish Prime minister in Kyiv
AFP via Getty Images
Vibriance
Walmart Shoppers Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth ItVibriance| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Read More Comments
Collapse Comments
Nativepath
Reverse The Clock On Back Pain & Sciatica By Doing This DailyMillions of seniors are being told to add this little known protein to their morning routine, here's why.Nativepath| Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Cosmec Reviews
Experts Rank Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Women (Top 5)Stop Your Hair From Thinning with These 5 Hair Growth Shampoos!Cosmec Reviews| Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
news Las Vegas judge faces discipline charges over hot tub photo
Undo
news Serial killer nurse Lucy Letby has ‘keys to her own cell’ and leads cushy life
Undo
Super C Serum
Target Shoppers Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth ItThis 5-Star "Obsessive" Beauty Serum Can Almost Erase Any WrinkleSuper C Serum| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
lifestyle Jay Leno files for conservatorship over his wife’s estate amid her dementia diagnosis
Undo
？ Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Subscribe
Already subscribed? Log in