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Arsen Pushkarenko / Facebook
Ukrainian MP Arsen Pushkarenko (ruling Servant of the People
party) pressured Estonian officials to influence the distribution of aid to
Ukraine and took credit for projects financed by Estonia,
Ukrainska Pravda reported on Sept. 16.
The report cited an investigation by Eesti Ekspress based on interviews with more than 20 sources and a review of documents.
According to the publication, a conflict between Pushkarenko and the Estonian Center for International Development (ESTDEV) intensified this year over the lawmaker’s attempts to influence aid distribution, including efforts to direct funds to specific projects in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr Oblast. The dispute came to a head during a June 18 meeting in Tallinn, where Pushkarenko and a Ukrainian delegation discussed future reconstruction projects with ESTDEV representatives.
A memo prepared for Estonia’s Foreign Ministry said Pushkarenko referred during the meeting to a possible change in government and called Urmas Reinsalu a future prime minister. He allegedly suggested that ESTDEV officials and the foreign minister could face punishment. The memo also said further cooperation with the MP had become impossible because of his behavior, pressure to approve specific projects and media pressure.
Estonian officials said Pushkarenko allegedly pressured ESTDEV to publicly confirm agreements on future projects.
Estonia emphasized that funding decisions are made according to established procedures. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna subsequently ordered officials to end working contacts with Pushkarenko.
Estonia has directed a significant portion of its aid to the
reconstruction of Zhytomyr Oblast, including a kindergarten in Ovruch, a bridge
in Malyn, housing for internally displaced people, and medical and educational
facilities. According to the investigation, Pushkarenko frequently attended the
openings of those facilities and linked them to his own work.
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