The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to temporarily suspend Roman Isayenko from his duties as the head of the State Service of Ukraine for Medicines and Drug Control. The relevant order was issued on December 24, and this decision will remain in effect during the disciplinary proceedings.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Circumstances of the Suspension and Investigation Timeline
The disciplinary proceedings against Isayenko have been assigned to the Commission on Higher Civil Service. According to the order, the commission is to complete its review by January 27, 2026, and report the results to the government. During the investigation, the duties of the head of the State Drug Service will be performed by his deputy, Volodymyr Korolenko.
“The Commission on Higher Civil Service shall conduct the relevant disciplinary proceedings by January 27, 2026, and inform the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine about the results.”
Preconditions for the Investigation and Isayenko’s Reaction
The basis for initiating the disciplinary review was the publication of the second part of a journalistic investigation by BIHUS Info. The material discusses alleged abuses in the field of drug inspections, involving Isayenko and an employee of the Security Service. According to journalists, individuals close to Isayenko may be connected to a private laboratory that receives a significant portion of drug inspection orders from the State Drug Service.
Journalists also established that Isayenko was seen on the grounds of a property in the village of Novi Bezzradichi in Kyiv region, which is not listed in his declaration. It is registered under relatives of the official, and its value may reach 300 thousand dollars. In a comment to journalists, the head of the State Drug Service claimed: “he might just be there and that he knows nothing about the origin of the funds for the purchase from his family.”
In response to the first part of the investigation, Isayenko issued an official letter denying any conflict of interest and emphasizing that the laboratory “Dobrobut-Likylab” does not receive the majority of orders. He also noted that the volume of referrals for laboratory quality control is not fixed and depends on circumstances independent of the agency.
The journalistic investigation was published in February 2025. Additionally, in November, it became known about searches conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau at the main office of the State Drug Service and the office of its head. Subsequently, after the searches, Isayenko went on sick leave.