Yulia Tymoshenko Served with Notice of Suspicion: What the NABU Recordings Revealed

Valentine's Day Card and Searches at the 'Batkivshchyna' Party Office

According to Главком: On January 14, the office of the 'Batkivshchyna' (Fatherland) party was searched in the presence of its leader, Yulia Tymoshenko, who was subsequently served with a formal notice of suspicion. This followed a January 13 announcement by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) that they had documented illegal activities by the head of a parliamentary faction. In a pointed social media post, Tymoshenko published a Valentine's Day card signed 'Boo! Love NABU.'

The Accusations and Tymoshenko's Response

NABU alleges that Tymoshenko initiated negotiations with MPs from other political forces regarding payments for 'favorable' votes. Among the documented evidence is a recording where a person with a voice resembling Tymoshenko's offers a reward to a lawmaker: 'We pay ten for two sessions, we pay an advance for two sessions.' The recording also discusses proposals to lobby for or block specific legislative initiatives.

According to NABU, Tymoshenko's alleged arrangements envisioned long-term cooperation with advance payments, which included receiving instructions on how to vote. The reward was to be 'earned' by receiving a list of bills to support or 'sink' via the Signal messaging app. Among other aspects captured on the recording, votes for dismissals were to be supported, while votes for new appointments were to be ignored.

Yulia Tymoshenko: 'Love is when they come to you in the evening and don't leave until morning. Happy Valentine's Day, my dears! Love! Because love will save this world!'

The news of the suspicion against Tymoshenko and the raid on her party's office has caused a significant public stir, amplified by her social media activity. This case highlights the tense political climate in Ukraine, where anti-corruption agencies are actively investigating potential abuses among high-ranking officials. The developments surrounding Tymoshenko could significantly impact her political career and the future actions of the 'Batkivshchyna' party, especially with elections on the horizon. Public reaction to these events also underscores a growing demand for transparency and integrity in government.