NACP launches investigation of First Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko: details of the scandal

15 April 12:30

The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) has launched an audit of compliance with anti-corruption legislation by Yulia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine. The reason was a parliamentary appeal by MP Volodymyr Ariev of April 8, 2025, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports

“After my appeal, the NAPC started checking Svyrydenko. How do you think it will end?” Ariev wrote.

What was the reason for the inspection

According to the official letter of the NAPC dated 08.04.2025 No. 202n/15-2025/80924, the inspection of Yulia Svyrydenko, who holds the position of First Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine, began at the request of MP Volodymyr Ariev. The inspection is conducted in accordance with paragraphs 6, 6¹, 1 of Part 11 of the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Corruption” and includes:

Monitoring of Svyrydenko’s lifestyle.
Control over possible conflicts of interest.

The procedure started on April 14, 2025, as stated in the document, on the basis of Article 28 of the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Corruption”.

Scandal over Svyrydenko’s salary: what is known?

On April 8, 2025, Volodymyr Ariev published a post on Facebook, where he noted that Yulia Svyrydenko declared UAH 3,102,506 in fees for teaching at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) in 2024.

According to him, such income is unattainable for most university professors in Ukraine.

Aryev also noted that in 2024, KSE structures implemented grant programs, the beneficiary of which was the Ministry of Economy headed by Svyrydenko. In his opinion, this may indicate a conflict of interest, which should be checked by the NAPC.

In response, KSE President Tymofiy Mylovanov confirmed that Svyrydenko does indeed receive $6,000 per month (about UAH 246,000) for teaching.

According to him, this amount corresponds to market rates for specialists of her level. Milovanov added that KSE also pays higher fees: for example, a Nobel laureate received $70,000 for 2.5 days, and a visiting professor from Canada received $50,000 for several weeks of teaching.

Is there a conflict of interest?

Aryev emphasized the possible conflict of interest due to the fact that KSE cooperated with the Ministry of Economy in grant programs.

However, Milovanov denied these accusations, explaining that the university itself is not involved in such projects. They are carried out by separate entities – a charitable foundation and a research institute – which have independent management and compliance systems.

“I would like to remind you that we have an independent board of directors, with more than half of the members being foreigners, and we fully comply with Ukrainian and international legislation, including conflict of interest control and corruption prevention. I would also like to remind you that all previous accusations of similar or other violations over the 30 years of KSE’s existence have been found to be groundless,” Milovanov said.

He also emphasized that over the 30 years of KSE’s existence, all previous accusations of violations were found to be groundless.

Svyrydenko actively teaches at KSE

Milovanov emphasized that Svyrydenko does work at KSE, and this is confirmed by numerous evidences: photos in social networks, speeches and lectures. She gives lectures, often in the evening or on weekends due to her busy schedule, and is also developing a new course based on her experience during the war.

This course, according to Milovanov, is of strategic importance for KSE, as it is planned to go international.

“But Svyrydenko is also working on developing a course based on her current experience during the war. It is strategically important for us because we want to go beyond Ukraine with it. There is also another course. It’s at the level of Strategic Architect at KIIS, but it’s better. More about that at the end. This is all in addition to teaching in the programs that already exist. (Unfortunately, we have to give lectures and meetings in the evening, and sometimes even at night and on weekends, and constantly adjust the schedule to suit her, but this is a normal price for a person of this level.)” Milovanov explained.

A political attack before the elections?

Milovanov called Ariev’s statement a “political attack” by the European Solidarity party, which, in his opinion, is preparing for the elections.

“This is a political attack. Poroshenko’s party is preparing for the elections, as is the ruling party. This, of course, upsets me, because the war is not over and it is not a fact that it will end soon. People are dying. The US has stopped supporting us. Therefore, priorities should be different. But I understand how democracy works and accept the rules of the game,” he said.

Who are Volodymyr Ariev and Yulia Svyrydenko?

Volodymyr Ariev is a member of the Ukrainian parliament from the European Solidarity party, known for his active anti-corruption work.

Yulia Svyrydenko is the first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine since 2021, responsible for the country’s economic development in times of war.