Politics

Ukrainian Minister suspected in agrarian corruption investigation

Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solskyi. Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
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Mykola Solskyi, the Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, has become embroiled as a suspect in a corruption investigation, according to reports from the Ukrainian Pravda portal, citing anti-corruption authorities.

The website reports that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has named Solski as a suspect in illegally taking possession of land worth 291 million hryvnias (about $7 million). In addition, he allegedly attempted to illegally seize land worth 190 million hryvnias (about $4 million). The minister addressed the media reports in a statement on the Telegram messaging app, saying the allegations pertain to a period in 2017–2018 when he worked as a lawyer in a dispute between state-owned enterprises and individuals.
I guarantee maximum openness to establish the truth, but there is no need for this; all data is open to law enforcement, and the evidence and arguments of the parties are being considered by the courts,” Solskyi said.

In its statement regarding the case, NABU refrained from directly naming Solskyi. However, it did indicate that the individual under suspicion had previously served as chairman of the parliamentary agrarian committee, a position Solskyi occupied prior to assuming the role of agriculture minister in March 2022.

If confirmed, Solskyi would become the first government minister under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to face suspicion in a corruption case.

The reports come amid mounting speculation about an impending government reshuffle.
Source: PAP, Reuters
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