Ukraine Security Chief Rustem Umerov Questioned in Major $100M Wartime Corruption Probe | Peace Talks Figure Testifies

Ukraine's Security Chief Questioned in Major Wartime Corruption Probe

A top Ukrainian security official, Rustem Umerov, has been questioned as a witness by anti-corruption investigators in connection with Ukraine's most significant wartime graft scandal. Umerov, currently the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council and a pivotal figure in delicate peace negotiations with both Moscow and Washington, provided testimony to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).

Details of the $100 Million Kickback Scheme

The probe centers on a vast $100 million kickback scheme allegedly orchestrated by Timur Mindich, impacting the state nuclear energy company. According to local media, citing Umerov's press office, NABU invited Umerov to offer his account. Officials have not accused Umerov of any illicit activities, and his spokesperson has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the questioning date. NABU itself has refrained from commenting on these reports.

Umerov's Role in Peace Negotiations and Denial of Wrongdoing

Umerov's role extends beyond domestic security; he led Kyiv's delegation in peace discussions with Russian representatives in Turkey earlier this spring. More recently, reports indicate his involvement in meetings with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami this month to discuss potential peace proposals. Following an initial draft viewed as overly favorable to Moscow by Kyiv and its European allies, Umerov was part of a Ukrainian team that negotiated a counter-proposal with U.S. officials in Switzerland.

Umerov, who previously served as Ukraine's defence minister until a cabinet reshuffle in July, addressed his connection to Mindich on social media on November 11. He stated that his interactions with Mindich were related to issues concerning a body armour supply contract. "As a result, the contract was terminated due to the product’s failure to meet requirements, and no items were ever delivered," Umerov wrote, emphatically adding, "Any attempts to link my work at the Ministry of Defence with the 'influence' of certain individuals are unfounded."

Political Fallout and Presidential Challenge

The NABU investigation, publicly announced just two weeks ago, has ignited a considerable political uproar. This scandal has emerged as the most formidable domestic challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's authority since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. So far, seven individuals have been charged, with five currently detained. Both Ukraine's justice and energy ministers were dismissed in the wake of the scandal, though they too have denied any culpability.

Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelenskiy during his pre-presidential television career, reportedly departed Ukraine shortly before the investigation's details became public on November 10. His testimony underscores the gravity of Ukraine's ongoing battle against corruption amidst the complexities of war and international diplomacy.