Andriy Bohdan's Allegations and Mariya Berlinska's Rebuttal
Andriy Bohdan, former head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, alleged that activist Mariya Berlinska agreed to an agent contract with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to avoid prosecution for allegedly directing enemy fire in Chernihiv. Bohdan claimed Berlinska became a 'mouthpiece for the authorities for three biblical silver coins,' but provided no evidence to support his accusation. This claim has stirred public debate, as it touches on issues of accountability and wartime conduct in Ukraine.
Notably, just before Bohdan's statement, former Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office prosecutor Stanislav Bronyevych also referenced Berlinska in connection with the Mindich tapes. Bronyevych released a transcript—obtained from law enforcement sources—alleging that Berlinska received payments from former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and businessman Tymur Mindich. No audio recordings of these conversations have been made public.
Public Reaction and Disinformation Campaigns
Berlinska dismissed both Bohdan's and Bronyevych's statements as 'disinformation' and a 'ridiculous story.' She emphasized that her relationship with Umerov is 'excellent' and that she has never accepted bribes.
'Even Google's AI knows this. You blockheads who come up with these fakes—learn to use Google at least,' she remarked.
In response to the controversy, lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko shared the transcript as images on social media. Meanwhile, Semen Kryvonos, director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, expressed concern over a campaign of manipulation surrounding the Midas case (Mindichgate). This saga continues to attract public attention and fuel media discussions, highlighting the tense atmosphere in Ukraine where allegations of corruption and wartime profiteering are increasingly scrutinized.
These events unfold against a backdrop of rising societal tension over corruption and transparency within state institutions. The accusations from Bohdan and Bronyevych, along with Berlinska's defiant response, underscore the precarious position of activists and officials during wartime. The public closely watches these investigations, as any allegations could severely impact trust in both the government and volunteer initiatives in Ukraine.