The appointment of Oleksandr Kubrakov, the former Minister of Infrastructure, as an adviser to the Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov became a topic for wide discussions. The question that arises in the context of this appointment concerns his previous achievements and scandals related to his work at the head of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
During his time working in the government, Kubrakov repeatedly found himself at the center of corruption scandals related to the large-scale "Great Construction" program, tenders and multibillion-dollar contracts. In particular, he was accused of lobbying the interests of certain companies that monopolized the infrastructure works market. The most discussed were the contracts of the company "Automagistral-Pivden", which, according to journalists, received billions of hryvnias from the budget due to manipulations in tenders and reduced competition.
Actually, this company, along with Rostdorstroy, became a symbol of cartel conspiracies, because it often won tenders where competition was minimal. This became possible thanks to low prices in tenders, as well as interaction with certain officials who helped promote the interests of these companies.
At the time when "Automagistral-Pivden" received multibillion-dollar contracts, companies often became objects of criticism for poor performance of works. However, the law enforcement officers did not take the initiative to investigate these facts.
If we talk about Kubrakov's corruption ties, it is important to note that people from the closest circle of the president helped him to lobby for the interests of the mentioned companies - the head of the "Great Construction" program Oleg Golyk and businessman Yuriy Tymoshenko. They, according to the sources, provided cover for those companies that participated in billion-dollar tenders.
And now Kubrakov is again on the front line, but this time – on the front of the country's defense. His appointment as an adviser to the Ministry of Defense raises serious concerns that this will be another step in corruption schemes in the defense sector. After all, during his tenure as Minister of Infrastructure, the failed protection of energy infrastructure, in particular the Trypil TPP, and the unfinished construction of fortifications in the OOS zone leave many questions.
In particular, the "dragon's teeth" are mentioned, which were supposed to be built in Sumy Oblast to strengthen the defense, but remained only in warehouses, without playing any role in defense.
Against the background of such previous failures and corruption allegations, the appointment of Kubrakov looks doubtful. How will the situation develop on the new "front"? Will he be able to contribute to the cause of defense, or will the defense sector become another source of corruption? This question needs an answer from the government, because Ukraine cannot afford another failure in the field of supply and logistics for the Armed Forces.
