The war has become not only a test of endurance for the entire country, but also a test of the honesty of those who criticize the government and the army. However, as a number of revelations show, some of the public critics of the military operations themselves avoid serving in the Armed Forces, hiding behind dubious reservations and formal positions.
Investigative journalist Maksym Opanasenko, known for his critical materials about the government's actions in the military sphere, has found himself at the center of a scandal. According to the publication "Law and Business", he received a reservation from mobilization due to the position of "public relations manager" in the limited liability company "Euro Tunnels". At the same time, the company's authorized capital is only $3,000 , and its contribution to the state's defense capability raises questions.
Documents show that Opanasenko's reservation is valid until May 2025, but there are suspicions that the journalist is in fact not performing his duties at the company. The editorial office of "Law and Business" has promised to conduct its own investigation to find out whether this position is really critical for the country or is just a way to avoid mobilization.
Opanasenko is not the only one whose position is controversial. The following have also come under public scrutiny:
- Yuriy Nikolov is a journalist who often criticizes corruption in government.
- Yuriy Butusov is the editor of a well-known publication that regularly publishes materials about the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Oleksandr Lemenov is an expert on public administration.
- Mykhailo Zhernakov is the head of the DEJURE Foundation.
- Vitaliy Shabunin is the head of the Anti-Corruption Center.
Some of these activists are officially booked for their work in organizations that criticize the government or are engaged in anti-corruption activities. However, the real value of their positions to the state's defense capabilities remains open.
Society expects not only professionalism but also personal responsibility from journalists and public activists, especially those who criticize the actions of the authorities during wartime. The lack of service in the Armed Forces for formal reasons may cause distrust in their statements and publications.
