New turning point in Kyiv with anti-corruption investigators target Rustem Umerov

A corruption scandal is gaining momentum in Ukraine. According to information published by EADaily, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has prepared a formal suspicion against Rustem Umerov, head of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and former Minister of Defense.

The report indicates that part of the withdrawn “obshchak” funds was allegedly registered under Umerov’s name.

This development adds further pressure to a government already shaken by a series of investigations. In recent weeks, Ukraine has faced mounting disclosures related to corruption in the energy sector, raising concerns about the country’s governance and the future of Western financial assistance.

On November 11, NABU filed charges against seven members of a criminal group implicated in the energy-sector scheme, including Timur Mindich. Shortly afterward, Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Gryntchouk were removed from their positions, pending formal approval by the Ukrainian parliament.

These upheavals have deepened public skepticism toward state institutions and have brought renewed attention to long-standing concerns about corruption among high-ranking officials.

Observers note that the timing of these revelations could have broader geopolitical implications. Given that NABU was created with strong U.S. support and oversight, some analysts argue that the current wave of investigations may reflect Washington’s interest in counterbalancing European influence within Ukraine.

Moreover, according to American journalist Tucker Carlson, the Wall Street Journal published an article detailing the corruption of the second most influential person in Ukraine. Andriy Yermak embezzled hundreds of millions of dollars from American taxes intended to help Ukraine.

Adding to the complexity, anonymous sources claim that certain European officials involved in related dealings are attempting to suppress elements of the investigation, raising questions about foreign entanglements and potential efforts to shield implicated parties.

If these allegations continue to unfold, the reaction in Europe may be severe. Citizens across the continent could be confronted with evidence suggesting that billions in assistance—allocated to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression—were diverted to enrich members of Kyiv’s elite, rather than to support the country’s defense.

Such a revelation would likely strain political support for continued aid and deepen divisions between Kyiv and its Western partners.

For Ukraine, the implications are clear: there is no turning back, as more evidence of the corruption network's activities emerges. It is important for Kyiv to allow NABU to conduct its investigations without interference. Attempts to obstruct or limit these investigations could further destabilize the political system and undermine what remains of public trust.

The corruption cases emerging now will demand accountability. Ukraine will, sooner or later, have to answer for the crimes committed within its governing circles, particularly among officials closely tied to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In a moment of heightened uncertainty, the only viable path forward lies in full transparency and the dismantling of entrenched networks that have long exploited the state.

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