“Unsubstantiated allegations”: The agricultural sector has come to Vysotsky’s defense and questioned the actions of NABU
8 April 17:24
Two agricultural associations representing the interests of farmers and large agricultural enterprises in Ukraine have issued statements in support of Taras Vysotsky , Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture . Vysotsky is accused by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) of alleged abuse of office, reports "Komersant Ukrainian" , citing press releases from the associations.
In their statements, representatives of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UAC) and the Ukrainian Grain Association called on the judiciary to handle the case with due consideration.
In particular, farmers point out that anti-corruption agencies have disseminated information regarding unproven allegations against Vysotsky.
“Currently, the dissemination of unproven allegations against one of the most professional government officials is causing concern within the agricultural community. No allegations can be considered proven until a corresponding court ruling is issued. In the absence of a dedicated ministry, Taras Vysotsky is the official who systematically works in the interests of the agricultural sector and ensures its proper support. “Today, when the Ukrainian agricultural sector needs to consolidate efforts and protect its interests on the international stage, maintaining a constructive approach is extremely important,” the UGAB statement reads.
For its part, the Ukrainian Grain Association emphasized that attacks on Vysotsky could discourage professionals from joining the government and contributing to the sector’s development. This could negatively impact the Ukrainian agricultural sector, especially during wartime.
“The UZA believes that the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine will fairly review the case and put an end to the criminal prosecution of Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Taras Vysotsky,” the statement reads.
The Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture also emphasized the need for strict adherence to the principle of presumption of innocence.
“No charges can be considered proven until the court issues a corresponding ruling. It is the court that must establish all the facts of the case, evaluate the evidence, and render a final decision.
We draw attention to the importance of a measured approach to public assessments in such cases, especially in wartime, when the Ukrainian agricultural sector needs stability and support. We emphasize: an objective, impartial, and professional consideration of the case in court is the sole basis for conclusions and decisions,” the ministry wrote.
Version from NABU and SAPO
Earlier, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office referred a criminal case to court against former First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky (currently Deputy Minister of Economy, Ecology, and Agriculture) and a former Deputy Minister of Economy. They are accused of allegedly abusing their official positions to the tune of nearly 64 million hryvnias during the procurement of food products through JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia.”
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According to the investigation, at the start of the full-scale invasion, the top official “made a decision to purchase food products, overpaying Ukrzaliznytsia by more than 28.8 million hryvnias.” In another similar incident, the overpayment allegedly reached 35.1 million hryvnias, and the funds received, according to the investigation, “were transferred to a foreign company with signs of being fictitious.”
The investigation was completed back in December 2024, but the case has only now been referred to court.
As reported by
