Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a prominent Ukrainian MP, highlights several critical issues facing Ukraine in 2026. He draws attention to a significant budget shortfall, with an alarming gap of 180 billion hryvnias for military salaries. His activism extends to exposing potential corruption in state-owned enterprises like "GTS Operator of Ukraine," where procurement schemes allegedly involve inflated costs and misuse of funds. Zhelezniak is also vocal about political scandals, including the controversial "Mindich tapes" and the misuse of state protection by former officials. Concerned with systemic corruption, Zhelezniak emphasizes the need for transparency and reform in government operations.
What is the main concern of Yaroslav Zhelezniak in 2026?
Yaroslav Zhelezniak's main concern in 2026 is the severe budget deficit affecting military salaries, corruption within state-owned enterprises, and a lack of transparency in political dealings. He emphasizes these issues as significant obstacles to economic stability and governance.
How does Zhelezniak view the handling of Ukraine's state budget?
Zhelezniak criticizes the Ukrainian government's handling of the state budget, pointing out a significant shortfall in military funding and inadequate financial planning. He stresses the urgent need for budget reforms to address these critical deficiencies.
What action has Zhelezniak taken regarding the "GTS Operator of Ukraine" corruption allegations?
Zhelezniak has reported allegations of corruption involving the "GTS Operator of Ukraine" to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. He highlights procurement scandals involving substantial overpayments for infrastructure protection, urging an investigation into these transactions.
What are the implications of the "Mindich tapes" according to Zhelezniak?
Zhelezniak believes the "Mindich tapes" reveal deep-rooted political corruption and could implicate high-ranking officials in sensitive dealings. He argues that these tapes necessitate thorough investigations to uphold political accountability and integrity in Ukraine.
Why is Yaroslav Zhelezniak critical of the military salary allocations?
Zhelezniak is critical because the 2026 budget fails to accommodate necessary funds for military salaries, leaving a significant shortfall that compromises the financial well-being of military personnel. He advocates for immediate budgetary adjustments to rectify this issue.
What role does Zhelezniak play in Ukrainian politics concerning corruption?
As a member of Parliament, Zhelezniak plays a pivotal role in exposing corruption and advocating for reforms. He actively engages in legislative processes, proposes investigations, and brings transparency issues to national attention, pushing for effective anti-corruption measures.
TOP news Zhelezniak Yaroslav
Gold toilets in Kvartal 95 co‑owner Mindich’s apartment are ’Yanukovych‑style’ – Zhelezniak. PHOTO Businessman and co-owner of "Kvartal 95" Tymur Mindich has gold toilets installed in his apartment. 49 881 164 Previously in trend: Mindich has left Ukraine Wiretapping in Mindich’s apartment
Yermak appears on "Mindich tapes" as "Alibaba" – Zhelezniak. VIDEO Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak appears on the "Mindich tapes" released by NABU. 45 808 160 Previously in trend: Mindichgate
After Zelenskyy’s statement that TV series are not timely, 248.4 million UAH were allocated from state budget for their production, - MP Zheleznyak. The state budget of Ukraine allocated UAH 248.4 million for the production of various TV series. 43 402 114
Rada adopts draft law on new fines for mobilisation evasion The Rada adopted the draft law "On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences and the Criminal Code of Ukraine on Strengthening Responsibility for Military Offences". It provides for a significant increase in penalties for violations of military registration and mobilisation evasion. 41 873 329
Ze-blogger Zolkin evading mobilization and taxes. VIDEO Popular blogger and interviewer Volodymyr Zolkin has been removed from military registration and is under the "protection" of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence. 37 997 166 Previously in trend: Employee mobilization exemption
Owner of "Kvartal-95", Mindich, acquired diamond business in Russia. VIDEO Businessman and co-owner of "Kvartal-95" Tymur Mindich ran a diamond business that operated both in Ukraine and Russia. 30 915 115 Previously in trend: Mindich’s business
Co-owner of "Kvartal 95" Mindich leaves Ukraine – Zhelezniak Close to the Office of the President, businessman and co-owner of the "Kvartal 95" studio Tymur Mindich has left Ukraine. 30 236 214 Previously in trend: Mindich has left Ukraine
Fines of up to UAH 204 thousand: Rada passes draft law to toughen penalties for mobilisation evasion The Verkhovna Rada voted in the first reading for the government’s draft law No. 10379 on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences and the Criminal Code of Ukraine to increase liability for violations of mobilisation. 30 232 153
Verkhovna Rada finally adopts law on e-registry of persons liable for military service The Verkhovna Rada has finally adopted Draft Law No. 10062 "On Amendments to Certain Laws on Improving the Procedure for Processing and Using Data in State Registers for Military Registration and Acquiring the Status of a War Veteran During Martial Law". 29 115 82 Previously in trend: War
Oleksandr Klymenko will become new head of Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office The competition commission for the election of the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office approved the results of the competition. Oleksandr Klymenko will become the new head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. 28 284 107
Zelenskyy told MPs that corruption scandal is being "stirred up by Russians and, to some extent, Americans," - Zhelezniak According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the issue of corruption in the Ukrainian president's circle is being artificially "hyped up" by Russians and Americans. Zelenskyy made this statement during a meeting with members of parliament from the Servant of the People faction. 27 172 244 Previously in trend: Mindichgate
Parliament adopts law on electronic register of persons liable for military service as whole (updated) On January 16, the Verkhovna Rada adopted draft law No. 10062 "On Amendments to Certain Laws on Improving the Procedure for Processing and Using Data in State Registers for Military Registration and Acquiring the Status of a War Veteran During Martial Law." 25 740 82
Zelenskyy decides not to dismiss Yermak. Investigators of "Mindichgate" to be targeted – Zhelezniak President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided not to dismiss Andriy Yermak from his position as Head of the Presidential Office. 24 290 151 Previously in trend: Yermak’s dismissal
Later, Russian assassins from Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that they had begun storming Azovstal. On May 3, 330 people's deputies voted for the law №7172-1 on amendments to some legislative acts of Ukraine to ban political parties. 23 751 111
Zhelezniak: New NABU "tapes" reveal how Mindich financed Dynasty residential complex with stolen money. PHOTO MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak responded to the new audio recordings released by NABU in the case of Tymur Mindich, co-owner of the Kvartal-95 studio and an associate of the president. 23 694 19 Previously in trend: Wiretapping in Mindich’s apartment Energy sector corruption
Zelenskyy’s approval rating plunged 40% after "Mindichgate" and is now below 20%, Zhelezniak says. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval rating has dropped significantly following a major corruption scandal in the energy sector involving his inner circle. 22 960 220 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy’s rating Mindichgate
Zelenskyy to nominate Klymenko as defence minister because Fedorov "botched TCR reform" – Zhelezniak President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will nominate current Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as defence minister in the new government, replacing Mykhailo Fedorov. According to Zelenskyy, the latter "botched the reform of Territorial Centres of Recruitment and Social Support (TCR and SS)." 22 458 247 Previously in trend: Defense Ministry appointments Dismissals at Ministry of Defense
Bankova’s new media empire: Hundreds of millions from budget and property of traitors - investigation. VIDEO The new media outlet "We - Ukraine", which did not exist "yesterday", now receives hundreds of millions of hryvnias from the state budget. And its owner is a man who had neither wealth nor experience in journalism. However, within a year, he became the owner of a media empire on the level of the... 21 210 80
"Because of corruption of Zelenskyy’s friends, we are sitting without electricity," - new investigation by Zhelezniak. VIDEO Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of parliament representing the Voice party, stated that the second unit of the Khmelnitskyi Nuclear Power Plant has not been operating at full capacity since March 2022, resulting in a loss of nearly 500 MW. 20 336 103 Previously in trend: Mindichgate
Council ratified Istanbul Convention The Verkhovna Rada ratified the Istanbul Convention. 19 692 168
Number of "servants" are demanding that Presidential Office issue them visas to US before ratification of subsoil agreement in Verkhovna Rada, - Zhelezniak MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak of the Voice faction said that a number of MPs from the Servant of the People party want to obtain US visas before the Verkhovna Rada ratifies the agreement with the US on minerals. 18 456 105 Previously in trend: mineral resources agreement
NCREPU member Pushkar, featured on Mindich tapes, left Ukraine overnight – Zhelezniak National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NCREPU) member Serhii Pushkar left Ukraine overnight. 18 430 57 Previously in trend: Energy sector corruption
Petrov, Zelenskyy’s PR manager, is paid from budget for his exemption from mobilisation, - Zhelezniak. VIDEO Political strategist Volodymyr Petrov and journalist Serhii Ivanov have been exempted from mobilisation. This is being paid for with taxpayers' money. 18 001 83 Previously in trend: Activities of Volodymyr Petrov
Before his death, Portnov met with "Kvartal-95" co-owner Mindich in Ukraine, - Zhelezniak The former deputy head of Yanukovych's administration, Andrii Portnov, who was killed in Spain, visited Kyiv before his death. In the capital, he met with several people close to the authorities. 15 977 51 Previously in trend: Portnov’s trip to Ukraine
Draft law on mobilization to be considered in Rada after weekend - Zhelezniak The Verkhovna Rada has approved a plan for the next plenary week. The draft law on mobilization is on the agenda and will be heard in the second reading. 15 557 113
Huge number of diplomatic posts has become political currency, which OP is perfectly able to pay with - Zhelezniak Amid the dismissal of Ukrainian diplomats in a number of countries and Ukraine's representatives in international organisations, MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that diplomatic posts in Ukraine have become a bargaining chip for the authorities. 15 524 42
Level of distrust in Zelenskyy exceeds trust, — Zhelezniak. INFOGRAPHICS Despite regular attempts to prop up Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval ratings at the taxpayers’ expense, opinion polls are showing some very worrying figures for the Presidential Administration. 15 522 124
Verkhovna Rada adopts as basis draft law that will allow corrupt officials to pay their way out of prison The Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 11340 in the first reading, which will allow corrupt officials to "pay off" their way out of prison. 15 324 136
There is 180 billion hryvnia ’hole’ in 2026 state budget for military salaries; there are not even enough funds to match last year’s level of payments, – Zhelezniak The Cabinet of Ministers is refusing to allocate the necessary funds in the amendments to the 2026 State Budget, creating a massive funding shortfall for the army. The government has not set aside any funds at all for increasing payments to military personnel. 15 163 101 Previously in trend: payments to military State budget
Rada banned mobilization of 18-25-year-olds The Verkhovna Rada adopted draft law No. 11379-d, which provides for the exemption from mobilisation of Ukrainians under the age of 25. 15 017 102
NABU should all be sent to front: conversation between "Mindichgate" figures Tsukerman and Fursenko. VIDEO Oleksandr Tsukerman and Ihor Fursenko (Roshyk), figures implicated in the ‘Mindichgate’ scandal, discuss the NABU’s surveillance of them. 14 447 73 Previously in trend: Mindichgate Mindich’s new tapes
Parliament has registered 5 versions of draft law on mobilization - Zheleznyak The Verkhovna Rada has registered 5 versions of the draft law on mobilization. One of them is from the Cabinet of Ministers, and 4 are alternative. 14 155 103
Ministry of Defense gave UAH 23 billion to Polish company, although DPA reported on risks - Zhelezniak. DOCUMENT The Defense Procurement Agency reported to the Ministry of Defense on the risks with PHULechmar Sp.z.o.o., but the ministry still decided to send it UAH 23 billion with a 100% advance payment. 13 952 40
Black "media hitman" for President’s Office Petrov organised revenge on Nikolov for exposing Defence Ministry corruption – Zhelezniak. VIDEO Yaroslav Zhelezniak, an MP from the Holos faction, has published an investigation into "media hitmen" who target critics of the President’s Office. 13 226 19
Ministry of Defence gives UAH 78bn to Polish "PHU Lechmar" to buy ammunition for State Border Guard Service, - Zhelezniak The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine allocates UAH 78 billion to the Polish intermediary company "PHU Lechmar" Sp. z o.o. for the purchase of ammunition for the State Border Guard Service. 12 723 49 Previously in trend: MoD procurement through SBGSU
Bureau of Economic Security launches investigation into Ze-blogger Zolkin over tax evasion and money laundering. DOCUMENT Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) is investigating possible violations related to tax evasion and the legalization of income by Ze-blogger Volodymyr Zolkin. 12 689 30 Previously in trend: Zolkin’s activities
Owners of Telegram channels that attacked NABU and whitewashed corrupt officials revealed, - Zhelezniak. VIDEO The owners of five Telegram channels that participated in the attack on anti-corruption agencies have been revealed. 12 450 39 Previously in trend: Anonymous Telegram channels
Volyn customs "slush fund" for December: Zhelezniak calls for reform of State Customs Service. PHOTO The State Customs Service needs reform due to widespread corruption. 12 396 47 Previously in trend: Bribe takers at customs offices
Only 4% of recipients of "Zelenskyy’s thousand" donate to Armed Forces Already, 1.8 million adults and 520 thousand children have received UAH 1,000 to their National Cashback card under the Winter eSupport programme. 11 894 201
Draft of new resource agreement with US does not even hint at security guarantees - Zhelezniak The United States has submitted a new draft agreement on minerals to Ukraine, which must be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada. 11 785 154 Previously in trend: mineral resources agreement
NABU conducts searches at Halushchenko, Myroniuk, and "Energoatom", - Zhelezniak (updated) On the morning of 10 November 2025, NABU employees are conducting searches at the home of the current Minister of Justice of Ukraine, former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko. 11 743 37 Previously in trend: Searches at Halushchenko’s home
New "Mindich tapes" released: discussions on replacing government, US ambassador and mysterious "Project 23". VIDEO MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak has released new "Mindich tapes" featuring a conversation between president's friend Timur Mindich and the current Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Rustem Umerov. 11 707 43 Previously in trend: Mindichgate Mindich’s new tapes
Rada goes on recess until August 18 without appointing defence minister. Alternative to Klymenko being sought – Zhelezniak A new defence minister, foreign minister, and head of the Security Service of Ukraine will not be appointed until the next parliamentary sitting, which is not scheduled to take place until August 18. 11 698 141 Previously in trend: New Cabinet Defense Ministry appointments Fedorov’s resignation
Deineko’s dismissal may be linked to questions over billion-hryvnia military procurements via Border Guard Service – Zhelezniak MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak commented on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announced replacement of the head of the State Border Guard Service, expected in the near future. 11 374 20 Previously in trend: defense procurement Staff changes
Yermak, who promised to go to front, is not serving anywhere, - Zhelezniak. VIDEO Former Head of the Presidential Office Andrii Yermak is not performing military service. 11 348 66 Previously in trend: Yermak’s dismissal
At least 200 million hryvnias disappeared during construction of fortifications in Donetsk Oblast, those involved received new positions, and companies - state contracts, - Zhelezniak. VIDEO "Voice" MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak has published a new investigation into the embezzlement of money for the construction of fortifications and the security of the military. 11 290 58 Previously in trend: Embezzlement of funds for fortifications
Svyrydenko is likely to be appointed ambassador to US, whilst four candidates are being considered for post of prime minister, - Zhelezniak The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko, is stepping down from her post and is likely to be appointed ambassador to the US; four candidates are currently being considered to replace her. 11 289 113 Previously in trend: New Cabinet Svyrydenko steps down as prime minister
Council dismissed Bakanov from post of head of SSU The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine dismissed Ivan Bakanov from the post of head of the Security Service of Ukraine. 10 665 58
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