The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced comprehensive inspections in the public sector aimed at enhancing the financial stability of the country, supporting citizens, and strengthening relations with international partners. Key issues were discussed at a special meeting, including the implementation of a winter support program for the population, which is planned to be increased this year, with the necessary funds already allocated in the state budget.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Audit in the Energy and Defense Sectors
According to the head of state, an audit of state energy companies is currently underway, checking all financial operations. Additionally, a decision has been prepared for a complete review of the activities of state defense enterprises and the contracts they have entered into. Zelensky emphasized that the audit of the defense sector must be comprehensive and as detailed as possible.
“I discussed with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, the preparations for the meeting of the Ukrainian government. Significant decisions are planned. The audit of state energy companies is already ongoing – all relevant financial operations. A decision has also been prepared for a full review of state defense companies and their respective contracts. The audit of the defense sector must be thorough and as deep as possible.”
The President instructed the Prime Minister to initiate an urgent audit of the activities of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) and the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPFU) by the Accounting Chamber. There is also a task to update the composition of supervisory boards in strategic enterprises and in the defense-industrial complex.
Steps to Enhance Transparency and International Cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka and Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko informed about the progress of negotiations with representatives of international financial institutions, including the IMF mission, as well as regarding Ukraine’s preparations for upcoming meetings with creditors.
Earlier, the government approved a plan to update the supervisory boards and executive bodies in the fuel and energy complex. These steps were a response to the recent disclosure by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau regarding the activities of a criminal organization that received unlawful benefits from contracts with Energoatom, amounting to 10-15% of their value.
On November 11, the prosecutor of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Serhiy Savitsky, reported that one of the figures in this case, Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Volodymyr Zelensky, had influence over the former Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, who currently holds the position of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. In response, Rustem Umerov stated that attempts to link his activities in the Ministry of Defense with the “influence” of outsiders are unfounded.