A Dance Group's Devastating Betrayal in Cherkasy
In Cherkasy, a dance instructor named Nadiya Victoria Kalashnyk collected 1,181,061 hryvnias from parents to fund a trip to Georgia, but she lost every penny gambling at a casino. As a result, the Sosnivsky District Court found her guilty of large-scale fraud and sentenced her to 5 years in prison, though the term was suspended on the condition that she commits no further crimes within three years. This case has shaken the local community, highlighting how trust in educators can be exploited for personal gain.
Financial Fallout for the Victims
According to reports, 26 individuals were affected, with each parent contributing between 15,000 and 91,000 hryvnias for the trip. Kalashnyk has partially repaid 140,000 hryvnias in damages, but the court ordered her to pay the victims over 999,000 hryvnias in material compensation plus 240,000 hryvnias for moral damages. Specifically, 24 of the victims will each receive 10,000 hryvnias for emotional distress.
In her statement, Victoria Kalashnyk explained:
“I sent the first sum to the casino and won... Then I couldn't stop—I lost my own money and the funds the children's parents had given for the trip to Georgia.”
The fundraising began in April 2025, but just two months earlier, in February, the children's ensemble 'Nadiya' had won the grand prize at an international festival in Batumi, Georgia. The financial scandal and subsequent loss have sparked outrage among parents and the broader public.
This case underscores the critical need for financial accountability and transparency when collecting funds, especially for activities involving children. It has generated widespread discussion in society, as parents who placed their trust in the coach suffered significant financial losses. Furthermore, the incident has prompted debates about ethical standards in education and childcare, as well as potential measures to prevent similar situations in the future.