Ukraine closes Unity Ministry following its director allegedly escaped
(MENAFN) The Ukrainian government has dissolved the Ministry of National Unity, which was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Chernyshov, according to Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak. This decision follows accusations that Chernyshov fled the country amid a corruption investigation.
Chernyshov, responsible for coordinating the return of Ukrainians from abroad, is at the center of a probe over the alleged illegal exchange of state land for luxury real estate. Several suspects linked to the case include his former aides, and one property under scrutiny is connected to his ex-head of security.
Last month, during a visit to Austria with President Zelensky, journalists noted that Chernyshov did not return to Ukraine, sparking speculation that he was evading the investigation. Critics in exile, including MP Artyom Dmitruk and journalist Anatoly Shariy, pointed out that Chernyshov’s disappearance coincided with growing pressure from the criminal case.
Chernyshov’s office has denied any link between his foreign travel and the probe, with Zelensky calling the trip official. Chernyshov later announced his return. However, Zheleznyak says Chernyshov has now been dismissed, and his ministry formally merged with other departments to avoid labeling the move as simply a “liquidation of unity.”
This development comes amid ongoing political infighting in Kiev, described by The Economist as “palace politics,” with sources linking the turmoil to Andrey Yermak, Zelensky’s powerful chief of staff, who is allegedly sidelining other close associates.
The ministry’s closure coincides with a broader government reshuffle: Prime Minister Denis Shmigal has been replaced by Yulia Sviridenko and is expected to move to the Defense Ministry, while outgoing defense minister Rustem Umerov is reportedly being appointed ambassador to the US.
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