The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that its internal security unit detained two senior officials – including the logistics chief of the Air Force Command and the head of the SBU’s Zhytomyr regional office – in a probe into alleged embezzlement of defense funds.
According to a Wednesday, Feb. 25 statement by the SBU, the scheme involved the misappropriation of state budget money allocated for the construction of fortifications at strategically important sites, including operational airfields used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
Investigators said that in May 2025, Hr. 1.4 billion (approximately $37 million) was allocated for the construction of modular arched shelters intended to protect aircraft and infrastructure.
Inspections allegedly found that the projects did not meet safety requirements, the shelters failed to provide adequate protection, and the cost of works had been inflated. Despite this, advance payments were reportedly transferred to contractors.
According to the investigation, the officials sought to halt inspections and conceal the alleged embezzlement by organizing the transfer of an unlawful benefit totaling about Hr.13 million ($300,500).
The two suspects were detained while allegedly receiving $320,000 in cash, the SBU said.
Charges and statements
Acting SBU head Yevhenii Khmara said corruption during wartime could be equated with treason.
“We continue the course of self-cleansing within the Service and other components of the Defense Forces. Corruption during war can be equated with betrayal. This is unacceptable, and we will continue to eradicate it uncompromisingly,” Khmara said in a statement.
The suspects are expected to be formally charged under Article 369 (offering or providing unlawful benefit to an official) and Article 426-1 (abuse of authority by a military official) of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.
The investigation is being conducted under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Law enforcement sources cited by RBC-Ukraine said the detained officials include Air Force Logistics Commander Colonel Andriy Ukrainets and the head of the SBU’s Zhytomyr regional office, Colonel Volodymyr Kompanychenko.
The SBU did not officially name the suspects at the time of publication.