Ex-Deputy Head of President's Office Offers Cooperation in NABU Probe Over $3.6 Million Wartime Fraud

Former Presidential Aide Pledges Cooperation with Anti-Corruption Bureau

According to Главком: Rostyslav Shurma, the former deputy head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has declared his readiness to cooperate with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) from his current location in Germany. NABU is investigating him for his alleged role in a scheme involving the misappropriation of state funds paid for 'green' energy tariffs to companies operating in occupied territory. The estimated losses in this case amount to 141.3 million hryvnias (approximately $3.6 million). This investigation highlights the severe challenges of wartime corruption, where state resources are diverted while the country fights for its survival.

Investigation Details and Timeline

The period under investigation spans from July 2022 to June 2023. The companies that received the state funds include:

• Natsprod
• KD Energy 2
• Renewable Energy of Zaporizhzhia

These companies are controlled by Shurma's family. The payments originated from the state-owned enterprise 'Guaranteed Buyer' for electricity generated by solar power plants located in the Malobilozerska and Dniprorudnenska territorial communities. These areas have been under Russian military control since February-March 2022, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the payments.

Anti-corruption investigators have already obtained access to Rostyslav Shurma's correspondence. Notably, on March 1, 2022, he issued instructions via Telegram, stating:

'Please keep an eye on all the enterprises. Not just the solar and construction sites… You can tell everyone that until the end of the wartime period, I have appointed you as the senior person. If anyone has questions about the chain of command.' – Rostyslav Shurma

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Shurma from his post in early September 2024. He subsequently left Ukraine, and journalists later located him in Austria with his brother, Oleh. On January 30, NABU summoned both Rostyslav and Oleh Shurma for questioning as suspects.

Shurma has stated that his permanent residence is in the Federal Republic of Germany, a fact known to the pre-trial investigation body. He claims to have repeatedly made official requests to participate in procedural actions via legal means-such as video conference or on the premises of Ukrainian diplomatic institutions abroad.

NABU's investigation into Rostyslav Shurma underscores the critical importance of combating corruption in Ukraine, particularly regarding the use of state funds during a full-scale war. In a nation facing immense external pressure, transparency and accountability in public finance are paramount. Shurma's potential cooperation with anti-corruption authorities could significantly influence the course of the case and public perception of high-ranking officials.