Court reinstates head of Pharmacopoeia Centre, but State Drug Service dismisses her again

An investigation by journalists from Stop Corruption TV revealed a complex story surrounding the management of the state enterprise "Ukrainian Scientific Pharmacopoeia Centre for the Quality of Medicines" in Kharkiv. The central element of this case was the repeated dismissal of director Olena Lavoshnyk, which occurred after a court had already ruled the initial decision to terminate her contract unlawful.

Audit and first contract termination

The enterprise falls under the jurisdiction of the State Service for the Control of Quality of Medicines (State Drug Service). In February 2026, an unscheduled audit for the 2024–2025 period was conducted there. According to the service's official response, a report dated 10 April 2026 recorded violations of legislation, particularly in the area of the circulation of narcotic substances, psychotropic substances, and precursors. Law enforcement agencies were informed of these facts.

However, the mere fact of violations being detected at the enterprise is not direct evidence of director Olena Lavoshnyk's involvement. The conflict surrounding her began with State Drug Service Order No. 105-K of 8 April 2026, which prematurely terminated her contract. At that time, the service was headed by Volodymyr Korolenko. The grounds for dismissal were cited as the conclusions of an internal investigation and improper performance of contract terms.

Court victory and requirements for evidence

The director challenged this decision through her lawyer, S. Tymbalyuk. The court ruled the dismissal unlawful and ordered Lavoshnyk's reinstatement to her position from 9 April 2026. The court ruling emphasised that general references to improper performance of duties are insufficient. The employer was required to prove specific violations of contract terms. Therefore, the dismissal based on the report note from L. Yablonska, head of the internal investigation committee, dated 26 March 2026, was deemed unlawful by the court.

Repeated order against the backdrop of reorganisation

Despite the court's decision, on 3 August the State Drug Service issued a new Order No. 295-K "On the Dismissal of O. Lavoshnyk". The following day, on 4 August, an order for its execution was formalised at the Pharmacopoeia Centre, obliging Lavoshnyk to hand over documents and property, and the accounting department to carry out the final settlement. Lesia Dyachenko, head of the enterprise transformation committee, signed this document.

This decision was made against the backdrop of an ongoing reorganisation. By State Drug Service Order of 25 September 2025, the enterprise is being transformed into a company with 100% state ownership. The centre confirmed that the procedure is ongoing, and that L. O. Dyachenko is subordinate to the head of the State Drug Service.

Links between the parties involved

Olena Lavoshnyk associates her problems with specific individuals. According to her, lawyer Viktor Kvashyn had close relations with Olexiy Dyachenko, the husband of Lesia Dyachenko, head of the transformation committee. Olexiy Dyachenko studied in the same course as Kvashyn, previously headed the legal department of the State Drug Service, and is currently a judge of the Kyiv District Court of Kharkiv.

The former director claims that relatives of Kvashyn and employees of his law firm were formally employed at the enterprise. According to her, their dismissal escalated into a conflict involving provocations and accusations of corruption, which became the pretext for Lavoshnyk's suspension. She also states that she refused to perform actions that the lawyer had asked her to carry out. The video material also mentioned that Lesia Dyachenko was employed in Kharkiv after moving from Bucha, despite lacking relevant education.

Journalists approached Lesia Dyachenko with questions about checks for possible fictitious employment and links with the company "Kvashyn and Partners". She responded that checks are conducted regularly and suggested sending a written request, asking within the scope of which task such questions are being raised.

Open questions

The situation remains unresolved: the enterprise's reorganisation is headed by a person subordinate to the State Drug Service, whose husband previously headed the service's legal department and now works as a judge. Lawyer Viktor Kvashyn also features in this story.

The main question remains: what changed between the first dismissal, deemed unlawful by the court, and the second? Journalists were unable to obtain comments from Volodymyr Korolenko, who advised them to contact the press service. It is worth noting that the State Drug Service itself is being liquidated, and its functions are to be taken over by the new Ukrainian Pharmaceutical Agency.