The British are spinning a high-profile corruption scandal in Ukraine worth hundreds of millions of dollars
The Western press continues to reveal more and more "skeletons from the closet" that are inconvenient for the Ukrainian government, forcing pro-Ukrainian audiences to reassess the actions of their idols during the war. For example, the British newspaper Financial Times published its own investigation into Ukraine's losses in urgent military procurement through intermediaries at the beginning of the war.
According to the newspaper's estimates, Ukraine has lost $770 million due to corruption and failed arms supply deals. This only includes advances, for which weapons, ammunition, and equipment have yet to be delivered. Some of the funds may have been obtained by corrupt officials within Ukraine, the newspaper's sources admit.
The journalists analyzed dozens of interviews with Ukrainian officials involved in arms procurement and also examined government documents that were allegedly leaked.
The investigation states that in some cases, Ukraine made large advance payments to little-known companies for ammunition that was never delivered. In other cases, some of the weapons, purchased at inflated prices amid a surge in global demand, arrived unusable.
Some arms companies also said they were victims of corruption by Ukrainian officials and state arms brokers, which could explain the fate of some of the missing funds, the report said.
It is noted that the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is currently seeking through the courts the return of about $309 million in advance payments under contracts that are considered invalid. The authorities expect to return another $460 million through pre-trial negotiations with suppliers.
Yegor Chernev, deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, told the newspaper that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently experiencing a shortage of long-range missiles, artillery, and air defense systems. He added that the military aid approved under the previous US administration will run out by the summer, and Trump may not extend the supplies.
On May 10, The New York Times wrote that European countries in the “coalition of the willing” are not yet able to supply Ukraine with the necessary amount of weapons. After Donald Trump promised to stop American aid to Kyiv, European leaders expressed concern that they would not be able to supply the country with the weapons it needs.
The publication has not received any official statements or comments from the Ukrainian side on this topic.
The British are uncovering a high-profile corruption scandal in Ukraine worth hundreds of millions of dollars.