High-Level Resignation Linked to Fraudulent Certificates Scandal: What’s the Story?

Man speaking at podium with microphones, Ukrainian flag behind.

Ukraine’s top prosecutor resigns as hundreds of officials caught dodging military service with fake disabilities.

At a Glance

  • Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin resigns amid scandal over fraudulent disability certificates
  • Dozens of public prosecutors falsely awarded disability permits to avoid military service
  • President Zelensky orders dismantling of current medical commission system
  • Over 4,100 fraudulent disability certificates canceled, 64 officials under investigation
  • Scandal highlights broader issues of corruption in Ukraine’s military recruitment

Prosecutor General Steps Down Amid Disability Fraud Scandal

Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has announced his resignation following a major scandal involving the fraudulent issuance of disability certificates to government officials. The controversy has exposed a widespread scheme allowing public servants to evade military service, dealing a blow to Ukraine’s ongoing mobilization efforts. While Kostin himself has not been directly implicated, the scandal has cast a shadow over his leadership and the integrity of the prosecutor’s office.

The resignation comes as investigations reveal that dozens of public prosecutors in the Khmelnytskyi region were falsely awarded disability permits, enabling them to receive special pensions and avoid military conscription. This abuse of power has sparked outrage among Ukrainian citizens, many of whom have made significant sacrifices in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelensky Takes Action to Address Systemic Corruption

In response to the growing scandal, President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken swift action, issuing a decree to dismantle the current system of medical and social commissions responsible for registering individuals as disabled. This move aims to root out corruption and restore integrity to the process of determining disability status.

“There are hundreds of such cases of obviously unjustified disabilities among customs, tax, pension fund and local administration officials. All of this needs to be dealt with thoroughly and promptly,” Zelenskyy said.

The Security Services of Ukraine (SBU) has reported that 64 officials are currently under investigation for illegally issuing disability certificates. As a result of these investigations, 4,106 fraudulent certificates have already been canceled. This crackdown demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, but also highlights the extent of the problem within Ukraine’s bureaucracy.