The return of AMPU's "shadow advisers"

The return of "shadow advisers": Lytvyn's dismissal and scandals at AMPU

In early December, Yuriy Lytvyn, who stabilised the operations of Ukraine's seaports and the Ukrainian Corridor in the summer of 2023, was unexpectedly dismissed from the Administration of Seaports of Ukraine (AMPU). Despite positive results, the decision sparked a storm of outrage.

Reasons for dismissal
According to sources, Lytvyn opposed the redistribution of investments in the repair and restoration of infrastructure, which, allegedly, was being carried out on the instructions of a new "adviser" from the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development, Gleb Milyutin. This principled stance cost Lytvyn his position, which, in the view of observers, occurred with clear violations of the law.

Andriy Kashuba was appointed to replace Lytvyn — a figure known from the Yanukovych era and considered to be fully under the control of the new leadership.

Who is Gleb Milyutin?
A native of Novosibirsk, Milyutin began his career in the 1990s in the broadcasting sector, founding "GALA-radio", but became known for a scandal with an American investor, which resulted in Ukraine paying $9 million in compensation. He subsequently worked at NTU and "Ukrtelecom", and was also linked to notorious politicians of the Yanukovych era.

Since 2020, Milyutin has consolidated his position in Kyiv, taking up posts in the Kyiv City State Administration and the Ministry of Communities Development. Today, he acts as a "grey cardinal", influencing key financial flows at AMPU, including the conclusion of contracts with contractors.

Scandals and consequences
According to market information, AMPU's annual revenue is approximately 4 billion hryvnia, while the investment plan for 2025 exceeds 1 billion hryvnia. Against the backdrop of these sums, rumours of "kickbacks" and corrupt schemes, allegedly organised by Milyutin, are actively discussed.

The business community is not prepared to accept the return of "watchdog" practices. Market participants are already preparing appeals to the president, Minister Oleksiy Kuleba, as well as to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the Prosecutor General.

The return of manual management methods, familiar from the Yanukovych era, is causing concern among experts and industry participants, who hope for urgent intervention by the authorities.