Ukrainian Truth journalists investigated the existence of a shadow market for political parties in Ukraine. In the face of difficult registration of new political forces, especially during the war, demand for "ready parties" is increasing, which can be purchased with the legal entity, the charter, the management and even members of the cells. According to journalists, the price of such a "turnkey party" ranges from $ 50 to $ 60 thousand.
The focus of the investigation was Denis Necheporuk - a person involved in many registers, which is related to dozens of parties and public organizations, in particular with pro -Russian narratives. For example, among the structures controlled by him-NGO "Union of Friendship of Ukraine-Russia". Journalists point out that Necheporuk has a business in Russia - Advstur 2023 in Kazan, which casts doubt on the transparency of his Ukrainian political activity.
The most surprise is the personality of new heads of purchased parties. Some of them have convictions or have no political background:
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Batyr Usarov , head of the strong Ukraine party, was previously featured in the case of theft of equipment.
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Yaroslav Konup , the leader of the Free and Faithful Party, has a criminal record for theft and storage of drugs.
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Anna Pasichnyk , who was deprived of parental rights, headed the "new force".
According to the Ministry of Justice, since 2022 in Ukraine 78 parties have changed the head, and 39 - the name. For example, the former POZH received a new leader - Ruslana Astakhov, who was an assistant Yuri Boyko. According to the UP, the Peace and Development Party is currently related to Rinat Akhmetov's structures - its deputies received a reward from Metinvest.
Legally, the sale of political parties is not prohibited - the law does not contain direct restrictions on the change of owners, and the procedure for registering a new political force remains difficult. The reform of the law on political parties, which should strengthen the transparency of this process, has not yet been completed since 2020.
Journalists warn that such a situation threatens the intervention of foreign players - in particular, Russia - in the domestic political processes of Ukraine through controlled parties. According to the UP, the reform of legislation and strengthening control by the SBU and the Ministry of Justice are required to prevent this.
