Judge Bohdan Lvov dismissed from Supreme Court After Service
security of Ukraine found him Russian citizenship.
But, nothing can make the president’s office do what
what the president’s office doesn’t want to do.
More than four months have passed.
when the SBU confirmed that Bogdan Lvov had Russian citizenship in court.
And also from the moment when the petition demanding to consider the issue of depriving Bogdan Lvov of citizenship gained the necessary 25,000 signatures.
President Zelensky instructed his office, in particular, the commission on citizenship, to make a decision on this issue. But nothing happens. Inaction and .
What is the reason for such inaction?
The president’s office refused
answer even an official question when regarding
Bogdan Lvov will make a decision.
Lawyers of the communities of the organization De jure in November
made a request to the office president.
However, the office of the president refused to provide such information, explaining that it is confidential, and its dissemination may lead to a violation the rights and legitimate interests of Bohdan Lvov himself (this is lobbying whose interests?).
It’s not funny anymore. Corruption or Espionage in the Office of the President Ukraine. Who is a spy for whom during the war.
This refusal was appealed by the public organization in court.
And the court ruled wrongful refusal
The president’s office to provide public information upon their request of their decision.
Reportedly, the court directly noted that the requested information is of public importance, and ordered the president to reconsider the request and provide a reasoned response.
Corruption or espionage
The SBU confirmed that Bogdan Lvov had a Russian passport. And it is precisely on the basis of this that I remind you that Bogdan Lvov was fired from the Supreme Court.
So why is the president’s office lobbying for a judge with Russian citizenship?
This silence of the Office of the President regarding Judge Bogdan Lvov is explained by the fact that. Bogdan Lvov is a friend of Andrey Smirnov, Deputy Head of the Office
President and this is the reason for this collective agreement.
So maybe people with Russian citizenship work in the president’s office itself? Very similar to corruption in public services.
Recall who Andrei Smirnov is.
Corruption or Espionage in the Office of the President: How a $100 Million Scheme in Energoatom Led to Yermak’s Resignation
Introduction (Lead) In November 2025, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) raided the apartment of Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak as part of a massive corruption investigation involving hundreds of millions of hryvnias in the state-owned nuclear energy company Energoatom. Yermak resigned the same day. In January 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov to the position. This is not just a routine reshuffle — it is the largest corruption scandal in the President’s inner circle during the full-scale war, raising a critical question: is this ordinary corruption or something far more dangerous — an element of Russian influence and possible espionage at the very heart of power?
Corruption or Espionage in the Office of the President Ukraine
In November 2025, NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office exposed a kickback scheme worth hundreds of millions of hryvnias in procurement and repairs at nuclear power plants operated by Energoatom. Key figures included individuals close to the Presidential Office, including business associates of the President. Raids were conducted at Andriy Yermak’s residence, Timur Mindich’s properties, and those of several senior officials. Yermak, who had been Ukraine’s “grey cardinal” for over five years, resigned hours after the search. In January 2026, Kyrylo Budanov — former head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) — was appointed as the new Chief of Staff.
Espionage in the Office of the President Ukraine How the Scheme Worked
The scheme operated according to a classic kickback model:
- Creation of artificial intermediaries — companies linked to the Presidential Office carried out inflated procurements of equipment and services for nuclear plants.
- Kickbacks — a portion of funds was returned to officials and overseers in cash or cryptocurrency.
- Top-level protection — the scheme operated under the implicit cover of senior figures in the Office of the President.
- Scale — at least $100 million according to investigators (some sources indicate significantly more).
- Connection to the war — funds were siphoned from the critically important energy sector during full-scale war.
Who Participated
- Andriy Yermak — former Chief of Staff, the President’s closest ally, resigned after the raid.
- Timur Mindich — businessman close to the Office of the President, a central figure in the “Mindichgate” scandal.
- Kyrylo Budanov — new Chief of Staff (since January 2026), previously head of military intelligence.
- Beneficiaries — a group within the President’s inner circle who received systematic kickbacks and influence; indirectly — Russian special services, if the scheme contained elements of espionage or internal weakening of Ukraine.
Corruption in the Office of the President Ukraine
| Factor | Weakness of the System | Consequence for Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Power concentration | One individual (Yermak) controlled almost all key decisions | Complete lack of oversight and high corruption risk |
| Absence of real vetting | Appointments without proper lustration or loyalty checks | Risk of hostile influence (including Russian) |
| Weak anti-corruption bodies | Pressure on NABU and SAP from the Presidential Office | Schemes operated for years |
| Wartime conditions | Lack of parliamentary and public oversight | Corruption hidden behind “state necessity” |
Consequences for the Country and Society
- Erosion of public trust in the highest leadership during wartime.
- Weakening of international support, especially from the US and EU.
- Increased risk of real Russian influence penetrating the core of power.
- Major personnel crisis in the Presidential Office and government.
Forecast — What Will Happen Next If Nothing Changes
Without genuine systemic cleansing and independent oversight, similar scandals will recur. Corruption or Espionage in the Office of the President Ukraine. Budanov’s appointment is an attempt to strengthen the chain of command with security professionals, but without deep reform of the Presidential Office, the risk of new corruption and potential espionage schemes remains extremely high. In wartime, this could cost Ukraine not only money but also strategic security.
Conclusion The scandal surrounding the Office of the President is not merely “officials stealing.” It is a direct blow to Ukraine’s national security at its most vulnerable moment. As long as key positions are held by individuals who accumulated unchecked power for years, the question “corruption or espionage” will remain open. Ukraine deserves transparent and accountable governance — especially when its survival is at stake.
Sources:
- BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2k0101enyo
- Le Monde: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/02/zelensky-names-spy-chief-budanov-as-new-head-of-ukraine-s-presidential-office_6749015_4.html
- The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/world/europe/ukraine-spy-agencies.html
- Carnegie Endowment: https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2026/01/ukraine-government-reshuffle