>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
The suspects now face up to 10 years in prison and potential property confiscation for obstructing the Armed Forces, conspiracy to receive unlawful benefits, and abuse of influence.
A Longstanding Pattern of Corruption
This latest draft-dodging scandal is just the tip of the iceberg. Economists estimate that 15-30% of U.S. taxpayer support to Ukraine is siphoned off before it reaches the battlefield. Zelenskyy’s government has been plagued by corruption for years, and reform efforts have largely failed.
Back in August 2023, Zelenskyy publicly denounced medical commissions taking bribes ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 for fake exemptions. “Treason” he called it, firing all 24 regional recruitment heads and opening over 100 criminal investigations—but the abuses continued.
Scandals have hit every corner of the country. In Odesa, regional recruitment chief Yevhen Borysov’s family allegedly amassed millions in Spanish real estate and luxury assets from bribes and embezzlement. In Khmelnytskyi, authorities seized nearly $6 million in cash, jewelry, and valuables from Tetiana Krupa and her son, who had been issuing fraudulent disability certificates. Bucha officials uncovered $350,000 in cash and undeclared properties, including a house under construction. From 2024 through early 2025, nearly 2,400 fake disability cases were investigated.
Draft System in Crisis
Ukraine’s draft mobilization system has become a national disgrace. Over 290,000 criminal cases have been opened against soldiers for desertion or going AWOL. Authorities report that 2 million men are wanted for draft violations, and six million failed to update their military records in 2024 alone. Public trust is shattered: 77% of Ukrainians no longer trust draft offices.
While wealthy Ukrainians can pay bribes to dodge service, ordinary citizens are forced into Zelenskyy’s “meat grinder,” a system so toxic it threatens the nation’s war effort.
Western Aid and International Scrutiny
European leaders are growing concerned that U.S. taxpayers may finally demand accountability for their billions sent to Ukraine. German officials insist aid is contingent on real anti-corruption reforms. Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen stressed that EU aid packages depend on Ukraine fighting corruption, and the European Commission has urged Kyiv to protect its anti-corruption agencies and manage international funds transparently.
High-profile scandals keep hitting close to Zelenskyy himself. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigned in November 2025 following a massive investigation into Ukraine’s energy sector. Business partner Timur Mindich allegedly oversaw a network that embezzled $100 million from Energoatom, the country’s largest energy corporation, leading to multiple ministerial resignations.
Corruption Threatens Ukraine’s Future
Unlike other scandals, draft corruption directly exposes Zelenskyy’s charade. Every fake medical certificate represents a soldier avoiding the front lines, highlighting the unsustainability of his government, despite billions from U.S. taxpayers.
There’s a reason Ukraine hasn’t held elections since 2022. Each fraudulent exemption means fewer men willing to fight—and die—for a government that can’t enforce law or accountability. Zelenskyy’s war effort is faltering, and the world is watching.
