Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities have confirmed that a report of suspicion has been served on Yulia Tymoshenko, the chairwoman of the “Batkivshchyna” faction in the Verkhovna Rada. This information was provided by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).
Suspicion: proposal of illegal financial gain
According to SAP spokeswoman Olha Postoliuk, Tymoshenko was accused of committing an act Article 369, paragraph 4 of the Criminal Code of Ukrainewhich concerns proposals to provide illegal financial benefits to public officials, in this case – other members of parliament.
Although the suspect’s name was not given directly in the first reports, both sourcesUkrainian Truth“, What “Suspilny” and the investigative program “Schematy” of Radio Svoboda confirmed that it was Yulia Tymoshenko.
A voting system for money?
According to NABU investigators, the case did not concern one-off attempts to influence MPs’ decisions. Anti-corruption bodies say planned, systemic mechanism, which was to consist in regular transfers of financial resources to deputies in exchange for loyal votes on specific bills.
“This wasn’t about individual arrangements, but rather a long-term framework for cooperation. Payments were to be made in advance, and MPs were to receive specific instructions regarding voting, including abstentions or non-participation,” NABU reported.
Investigators are currently looking into possible involvement about 20 parliamentarians from other factionswho could receive financial benefits.
Published recordings
On January 14, NABU also published audio recordings, which, according to investigators, feature the voice of a person discussing “loyalty” rates during parliamentary votes. The materials include phrases about “two-session” rates and instructions on how to vote on personnel and legislative matters.
The recordings are dated January 12, 2026.
Tymoshenko’s reaction: “political assignment”
Yulia Tymoshenko confirmed that searches were carried out at her party headquarters, which she claimed lasted all night. The politician said officers confiscated her official phones, parliamentary documents, and funds that she claimed were included in her official asset declarations.
Tymoshenko strongly rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “politically motivated”. In her opinion, the actions of law enforcement agencies are reminiscent of the methods used during the rule of Viktor Yanukovych.
Request for preventive measures
SAP announced that it will soon take the matter to court application for preventive measures towards Tymoshenko. The specific measures in question have not yet been disclosed.
The prosecutor’s office emphasizes that the proceedings it is not political in nature, and the evidence collected was sufficient to formally bring charges.
Political background
It is worth recalling that Yulia Tymoshenko in recent years sharply criticized the activities of NABU and SAP, and also supported initiatives that limited the independence of these institutions. Therefore, the case has not only a legal dimension but also a clear political context.
Sources: Ukraińska Pravda / Suspilne / Deutsche Welle (DW)
The material comes from the Nowiny Wschodnie website. All rights reserved. Further sharing, quoting, or copying of materials is permitted only with mandatory attribution of the source and an active link to the publication.
Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Nowiny Wschodnie, a news platform followed by more than 140,000 people on social media. A graduate in Journalism and Social Communication, he has been co-creating and developing Nowiny Wschodnie since 2017. He gained professional experience working with local and international media.
He specializes in fact-checking, countering disinformation and propaganda, and information security. His work focuses on Poland, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Polish-Ukrainian relations. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization working in the fields of integration and intercultural dialogue.
What do you think about this story?
Join the conversation. Please keep comments relevant to the article.
Write a comment