Despite the war and critical dependence of Ukraine on external financial assistance, a number of government agencies and territorial communities continue to spend millions of hryvnias on the purchase of flagship smartphones. ProZorro records numerous purchases of iPhone 15–16 Pro Max phones, the cost of which not only exceeds the average market, but also exceeds the costs of key budget items, including improvement.
A village with two thousand inhabitants - with four flagships
The most striking example is the Pryshib Territorial Community in Poltava. In the village for 2 thousand inhabitants last year spent 166.9 thousand UAH for improvement. At the same time, four mobile phones - two Google Pixel 8 Pro and two iPhone 15 Pro - went 175 thousand UAH. He heads the community Valentina Gorodianko, who, according to the community site, has no deputy. Why she and her team at once four top smartphones are unknown. She does not answer the editorial call.
SBU, Gas Machines and PrivatBank: buy phones more expensive than in stores
The SBU gadgets in the Odessa region were even more expensive. Here in November 2024 spent 468 thousand UAH (excluding VAT) on ten smartphones Samsung Galaxy S24, each at 46.8 thousand UAH. At the same time, the purchase raised questions due to confusion in the amount: ProZorro indicated that it was with VAT, and in the contract without it.
The municipal enterprise "Gas distribution networks of Ukraine" ordered 295 Chinese phones OUKITEL WP35S PRO for 6 800 UAH each - a total of 2 million UAH. Interestingly, in online stores the same device costs 5 999 UAH. If the purchase was made without a tender - retail - the state would save at least 236 thousand UAH.
A Thousand Phones to “Develop Peace”
The State Enterprise "Ukrainian National Peace Development Center" purchased a thousand Tecno Spark Go 1 at the price of 3 395 UAH per unit. Now in stores such devices can be found at 3 199 UAH. However, the purchase took place at the end of 2023, and a certain decrease in prices can be considered market fluctuations.
iPhone 16 Pro max - who is exactly for?
In 2025, Zaporizhzhiaoblenergo, subordinate to the Ministry of Energy, announced a tender for the purchase of an iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB worth 68.5 thousand UAH - the last model of the Apple flagship. What was the purpose of such purchase and who will use the device is not commented in the company.
In turn, the State PrivatBank has purchased several expensive Apple models at once. In January, there are three phones, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus. In May - four more smartphones and the iPad Air tablet, spending 229.9 thousand UAH.
Purchases during the war - without answers and consequences
Particularly flashy is the example of Kurakhiv City Council, which in 2022 ordered 15 iPhone 13 256GB for 50.7 thousand UAH each - for a total amount of UAH 760.4 thousand. At that time, the city was already in the area of high risk. The relevant request for irrational use of funds was sent to the State Audit Office. As of May 2025, there is no answer. It is Kurakhovo that is now under occupation.
While the military is asking drones, officials buy iPhone
Against the backdrop of the permanent calls of volunteers and the military for the assistance of the front, the purchase of premium equipment for the administrations of villages and state -owned companies look at least cynically. Ukraine is forced to contact partners to cover the budget deficit. Own income is barely enough for the army, but this does not stop the local authorities in spending the funds on the latest smartphones.
And while the front is kept at the expense of the donati, the rear continues to buy brand new iPhone.
