Anton Yatsenko and demining schemes: a new corruption trail

Anton Yatsenko, a well-known subject of numerous anti-corruption investigations, unexpectedly appeared at a closed meeting of the Ministry of Defence’s National Demining Body. According to legislation, MPs have no right to participate in such meetings, making his presence highly questionable.

Donor-funded company under the control of an aide

Particular interest is drawn to one of the companies that received funding from international donors for the demining of agricultural land. According to investigators, it is headed by Yatsenko’s aide, which may indicate the MP’s potential influence on the allocation of funds and contracts.

Links to former officials and the arms business

The scheme also involves Stanislav Liiev — a controversial former Ministry of Defence official previously exposed for abuses. He is currently collaborating with businessman Maksym Yefimov, who is known as a major arms supplier and Ministry of Defence contractor.

The facts suggest that the demining of farmland may be not just a humanitarian mission, but a new corruption scheme, in which the interests of MPs, former officials, and the defence industry are intertwined.