Another defense scandal has erupted in Ukraine. The focus is on the activities of PrJSC "Ukrainian Helicopters Airline", which cooperates with the American company "Alpha Aviation", owned by Russian citizen Maria Yudina. According to available information, she has Russian citizenship, a Russian tax number and a valid internal passport. Her roommate Kirill Anosov is directly connected to the Russian aviation industry, in particular - with the company "APK VEKTOR", which still works with Russian state bodies.
Despite direct evidence of ties to citizens of the aggressor state, Ukrainian Helicopters has not provided clear explanations regarding its ownership structure or lease relationships. Instead, it has responded with accusations of “information attacks” and “raiding,” focusing on press conferences and mentions of its participation in humanitarian missions.
The company's personnel also raises some questions. Legal Director Serhiy Bukoros previously headed the legal service of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Executive Director Serhiy Yarovyi was Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and was responsible for the National Guard — the very structure where the company leased helicopters at questionably low prices.
However, despite the public outcry, the State Aviation Service of Ukraine, headed by Oleksandr Bilchuk, avoids commenting. Official parliamentary appeals are answered with formal responses like: "all documents have been submitted - there are no grounds for a response.".
Such inaction by state structures seems at least strange, especially in a time of war, when any contacts with Russian business, particularly in the defense sector, must be completely excluded. Otherwise, trust in the state and its regulatory bodies may be irreversibly undermined.
