Ukrzaliznytsia cancels security service's right to block tenders

Cancellation of the tender blocking mechanism

Changes have been implemented in the procurement system of "Ukrzaliznytsia". As Likunov explained, one of the first changes was the removal of the so-called "security barrier". Previously, the company's security service had the authority to effectively halt procurement procedures, specifically by using an SBU letter notifying of a possible "Russian trace" in the activities of one of the tender participants. A similar scheme was uncovered during the investigation of transformer procurement in 2022.

«Наразі цього немає, бо безпека не «погоджує закупівлі», а надає фахові застереження щодо наявних у них ризиків» (Currently, this is not the case, as security does not "approve procurements" but provides expert warnings regarding existing risks), Likunov noted.

The security service has now lost the ability to independently decide on the conduct or cancellation of a procurement. It has focused on risk assessment.

Optimisation of requirements for railway-designated goods

Another significant change was the substantial reduction of the list of products classified as railway-designated. Previously, the company required an additional package of documents for the supply of such goods, which created difficulties for suppliers. According to Likunov, the review of these requirements contributed to increased competition in tenders and lower procurement prices.

Role of management and NABU actions

The implementation of these changes became possible after the renewal of "Ukrzaliznytsia"'s procurement team, specifically following the arrival of Oleksandr Nahod, as well as with the support of the company's management, including Oleksandr Pertsovskyi. At the same time, Likunov emphasised that it was NABU detectives who eliminated the corrupt back office, not the ministry or the new security team.

Context of previous management

Speaking about Kubrakov's motives, Likunov suggested that the former minister sought to prevent the restoration of the scheme after its exposure, but cautioned that this was merely his own assumption. Before the new team arrived, the "Ukrzaliznytsia" security department was headed by Eduard Kritsyn — the former head of Artem Shyla in the SBU. According to Likunov, Kritsyn built his own vertical of influence within the company.

In response to a question about whether the President's Office understood the scale of the back office's activities and whether it influenced the decision to change the "Ukrzaliznytsia" security management, Likunov stated that it was difficult for him to assess this.