Ukraine suspends top National Guard officials over major corruption probe

An internal investigation has been launched and that authorities are cooperating fully with law enforcement. No additional details were provided in the official statement.

Earlier, reports emerged on Ukrainian social media and in local media outlets that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) had carried out searches targeting multiple National Guard officials. According to the news outlet ZN.UA, investigators suspect the officials of accepting over UAH 190 million (approx. $4.8 million) in bribes and misappropriating nearly UAH 200 million (approx. $5 million) in state funds.

Among those reportedly targeted in the probe is National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Oleksandr Pivnenko. According to ZN.UA, investigators believe he may have been involved in a scheme with other senior officials to solicit illicit payments and manipulate procurement contracts for personal gain.

As of Saturday, the Interior Ministry has not confirmed the identities of the suspended officials.

Ukraine has ramped up efforts to crack down on corruption across its military and security institutions, especially amid heightened scrutiny from international partners providing billions of dollars in defense and humanitarian aid.