University Rector Found Guilty of Asset Declaration Violations by Kyiv Court

Violations in the Rector's Asset Declaration

According to Главком: Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK) identified irregularities in the 2023 asset declaration of Volodymyr Bugrov, rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. A full audit by NAZK led to two specific allegations. The first involved the failure to declare travel compensation received by Bugrov and his wife for trips to the University of Toulouse (France), the University of Messina (Italy), and the NATO Secretariat (Belgium).

The Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv partially dismissed NAZK's claims but found the rector guilty of a violation concerning the use of his son's car. According to NAZK, Bugrov omitted a 2015 Volkswagen Golf, valued at 660,000 hryvnias, from his declaration. Bugrov is appealing the decision, stating:

“The judge dismissed the charges regarding the non-declaration of funds but upheld those related to my son's car. The appeal does not hinder me; it will be considered. I hope that Ukraine's judicial system is virtuous and objective, and this matter will be resolved.”

Scandals and Next Steps

Volodymyr Bugrov, who has led the university since 2021, has confirmed his intention to run for re-election on April 2, 2026. However, his tenure has been marked by controversy. Since 2022, he has been linked to a 'sex scandal' following the release of an intimate video on an anonymous Telegram channel, which the authors claimed featured the rector. Furthermore, in 2021, Bugrov refused a request from his deputy, Mykola Pohoretskyi, to transfer university land for development.

The rector also expressed frustration over the lack of constructive dialogue with NAZK Chairman Viktor Pavlushchyk: “There is a paradox here: we cooperate with NAZK. A month ago, at our Institute of Public Administration and Civil Service, we awarded diplomas to graduates of master's programs in cooperation with NAZK. But Mr. Pavlushchyk was not there; I would have liked to ask him this question.”

Bugrov emphasized that his inquiry to NAZK's internal control department was ignored, and he is awaiting a response regarding the legality of the evidence in his case. This case highlights the intense scrutiny public officials in Ukraine face as part of broader anti-corruption reforms. The outcome could significantly impact the university's reputation and public trust in higher education leadership, while Bugrov's appeal indicates the legal process is ongoing.

As the situation surrounding Volodymyr Bugrov continues to unfold, questions arise regarding his earlier decisions, particularly his refusal to facilitate land development for a college. This move, which has drawn criticism, may be indicative of deeper motives within the university's administration. To explore the complexities behind this decision and its implications for the institution, read more about the reasons behind the rector's land development block.