Special Investigative Body Formed at Kyiv University
A dedicated commission has begun operations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU) to investigate alleged violations of student and staff rights, breaches of ethical conduct, and improper use of university facilities. This move follows a series of recent controversies, including the dismissal of rector Volodymyr Buhrov after his contract expired, legal proceedings over inaccurate asset declarations, and a sex scandal. Complaints can be submitted via a new email address: iac@knu.ua.
Rector Volodymyr Buhrov Under Scrutiny
Volodymyr Buhrov, who had led the university since 2021, lost an appeal in an administrative offense case on April 28. In December 2025, a review by Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK) uncovered discrepancies in his declaration totaling approximately 900,000 UAH. By February 2026, a first-instance court found Buhrov guilty of failing to declare a 2015 Volkswagen Golf, imposing a fine of 17,000 UAH. On April 29, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine terminated his appointment upon contract expiration. A competition for the rector position was announced on March 2, 2026, with Valeriy Kopiyka appointed as acting head. The election for a new rector has been rescheduled for October 27.
The NAZK audit of Buhrov's 2023 declaration identified violations worth nearly 900,000 UAH. The ruling centered on his undeclared use of his son's 2015 Volkswagen Golf, valued at 660,000 UAH. Student government organized a protest against Buhrov on April 1, reflecting growing discontent within the student body. In response, the Ministry of Education and Science established its own commission to review Buhrov's conduct.
Additionally, an anonymous Telegram channel circulated an intimate video allegedly featuring the rector. Volodymyr Buhrov addressed the matter, stating:
'If they can't find anything substantial against you, they try to fabricate it this way... Because my apartment is completely ordinary. My Mitsubishi Outlander is not a luxury SUV, as was claimed. And my son's Volkswagen Golf is not that kind of car. My dacha is just six hundred square meters.' - Volodymyr Buhrov
The atmosphere at the university remains tense, and the newly formed commission aims to thoroughly examine all aspects of the rector's activities, addressing the challenges now facing the institution.
The establishment of this special commission underscores the seriousness of the situation and the administration's willingness to respond to criticism from students and staff. It also highlights the pressing need for transparency and adherence to ethical standards in higher education. The ongoing investigations and subsequent actions could significantly impact the university's reputation and public trust in its leadership.
The recent developments surrounding Volodymyr Buhrov's tenure at KNU have raised significant concerns about financial transparency and ethical governance within the university. As the investigation unfolds, it's worth noting that prior to his departure, Buhrov reportedly received close to a million in payments. For more details on this controversial financial aspect and Buhrov's potential re-election bid, read the full story here.