Dispute erupts over invitation to Temporary Investigative Commission
Denys Shtilerman, co-owner and chief designer of the defense firm Fire Point, has accused Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko of disseminating misleading information about a summons for company leadership to appear before the Verkhovna Rada's Temporary Investigative Commission (TIC). Shtilerman released an official document signed by the commission's chair, which confirms that the invitation is scheduled for May 13, 2026, not for the current date as Honcharenko had claimed.
The TIC is probing potential violations in defense and anti-corruption legislation, specifically in connection with Operation Midas. Lawmakers are seeking details about this operation, which was previously disclosed on the official website of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). The commission hearing is set for 4:00 PM on May 13, 2026, with the defense firm's management asked to confirm their attendance by May 11.
To my great regret, MP Honcharenko misled everyone about my being summoned to the TIC today. The invitation is only for May 13. — Denys Shtilerman
Since 2022, Shtilerman has focused on expanding Fire Point, which has become a key supplier of long-range drones and cruise missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Fire Point holding includes over 50 sites across Ukraine and a factory under construction in Denmark. One of the company's most notable products is the FP-5 'Flamingo' model.
Operation Midas
Operation Midas became a public scandal after NABU published details on its website in November 2025. As part of this operation, more than 70 searches were conducted, and scheme organizers allegedly received up to 15% of contract values from Energoatom as illicit gains. Money was laundered through so-called back offices in central Kyiv. The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has already imposed preventive measures on some suspects, including pretrial detention with the option of bail.
This situation underscores the critical need for transparency and accuracy in information related to the work of Temporary Investigative Commissions, which handle inquiries into corruption and defense matters. Instances of misinformation can significantly damage the reputations of those involved, highlighting the importance of responsible communication by officials and lawmakers. Operation Midas remains under intense scrutiny, and its outcomes could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine's defense sector.
The ongoing investigation into Operation Midas has raised serious concerns about potential corruption within the defense sector. Recent revelations, including recordings released by NABU, suggest that high-ranking officials may have profited significantly from legislative dealings. Understanding these developments is crucial for grasping the wider implications of the current allegations against MP Honcharenko.