The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine revealed significant risks of illegal use of humanitarian aid in the amount of UAH 171.78 million based on the results of internal audits conducted in cooperation with the State Customs Service of Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense.
According to data obtained during audits conducted from March to July 2024, for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the following were transferred through customs control:
- 424 units of vehicles;
- 476.23 tons of goods of various names without specifying the value;
- 6.2 tons of food and plastic pellets.
However, despite the amount of humanitarian aid transferred, the Ministry of Defense could not confirm the fact that military units received this nomenclature. This raised serious suspicions about possible illegal enrichment, misappropriation of property and abuse of office by certain officials.
In connection with these circumstances, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine sent relevant notifications to law enforcement agencies to assess the legality of the actions of individual officials and further investigation.
Efficiency and transparency in focus
Acting Director of the Department of Internal Audit of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Colonel Oleksandr Tytkovsky, emphasized the importance of effective cooperation with other state bodies, in particular with the State Customs Service, in ensuring proper control over military and humanitarian aid.
"We highly appreciate the promptness in the passage of military and humanitarian aid across the border for the needs of the Armed Forces during martial law. Our mission is to ensure that every element of aid, from a thermal imager to a vehicle, provided by volunteers and international partners reaches our defenders on the front lines. We will continue to improve control and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency and efficiency in the use of humanitarian aid," said Colonel Tytkovskyi.
Follow-up and investigation
An investigation is ongoing based on the facts discovered during the internal audit. Those responsible will be prosecuted if illegal actions are confirmed.
