The appointment of Alexander Kubrakov, former Minister of Infrastructure, as an advisor to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has been the subject of widespread debate. 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 in 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 individual companies that monopolized the infrastructure market. The most discussed contracts were those of the Avtomagistral-Pivden company, which, according to journalists, received billions of hryvnias from the budget through manipulations in tenders and reduced competition.
In fact, this company, along with Rostdorstroy, became a symbol of cartel collusion, as it often won tenders where competition was minimal. This was made possible by low prices in tenders, as well as interaction with certain officials who helped promote the interests of these companies.
While Avtomagistral-Pivden was receiving billion-dollar contracts, the companies were often criticized for poor quality work. However, law enforcement agencies did not take the initiative to investigate these facts.
Speaking about Kubrakov's corruption connections, it is important to note that he was helped to lobby the interests of the mentioned companies by people from the president's inner circle - the head of the "Great Construction" program, Oleg Holyk, and businessman Yuriy Tymoshenko. According to sources, they provided shelter for those companies that participated in billion-dollar tenders.
And now Kubrakov is back on the front lines, but this time on the country's defense front. His appointment as an advisor to the Ministry of Defense raises serious concerns that this will be another step towards corruption schemes in the defense sector. After all, during his time as Minister of Infrastructure, the failed protection of energy infrastructure, in particular the Trypillya TPP, and the unfinished construction of fortifications in the JFO zone leave many questions.
In particular, the “dragon's teeth” are mentioned, which were supposed to be built in the Sumy region to strengthen the defense, but remained only in warehouses, without playing any role in the defense.
Against the background of such previous failures and corruption allegations, Kubrakov’s appointment looks questionable. How will the situation develop on the new “front”? Will he be able to contribute to the defense cause, or will the defense sector become another source of corruption? This question requires an answer from the government, because Ukraine cannot afford another failure in the field of supply and logistics for the Armed Forces.
