Ukrainian MP Kuznietsov Suspended Over Multi-Agency Drone Procurement Corruption Probe

Ukrainian MP Oleksii Kuznietsov has been detained and placed in custody for 60 days, with bail set at approximately $190,000, following his involvement in a major corruption scandal involving the procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment at inflated prices. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) uncovered this scheme, which implicates Kuznietsov along with heads of district and city administrations and National Guard officers. In response, the ruling party "Servant of the People" has suspended Kuznietsov's membership and removed him from his position as head of the oblast organization, with the party’s disciplinary commission considering his expulsion. Party leadership, including faction head David Arakhamia, has expressed full support for NABU and SAPO and emphasized the importance of independent anti-corruption institutions, urging a fair judicial process. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly announced the exposure of this bribery scheme, reinforcing the government’s commitment to combat corruption regardless of the perpetrator’s status. The case highlights continued efforts by Ukrainian authorities to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and hold officials accountable.