Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has made the decision to step down from his position amidst a scandal involving numerous officials accused of misusing their authority to obtain disability benefits and avoid military service.
The scandal came to light in early October, revealing that many public prosecutors in Khmelnytskyi had been wrongly granted disability permits and were receiving special pensions.
Kostin, taking responsibility for the situation, announced his resignation, labeling the false disability diagnoses as “clearly unethical.”
Following a meeting of the National Security and Defence Council, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree to overhaul the current system of medical and social commissions responsible for determining disability status before the end of the year, closing a loophole that allowed draft evasion through corrupt means.
An investigation ordered by Kostin found that 61 prosecutors in Khmelnytskyi had disability status, with 50 of them being registered disabled before the conflict began.
Zelensky publicly called for accountability, signaling that parliament, where his party holds a majority, is likely to approve Kostin’s resignation.
The president emphasized that corruption extends beyond just prosecutors and cited numerous cases of unwarranted disabilities among various government officials. He stressed the need for a thorough and speedy resolution, advocating for a digitized process to ensure fair payments for those genuinely disabled.
The Security Services of Ukraine confirmed that 64 officials from the Medical and Social Expert Commissions are under investigation for illegally issuing disability certificates, with nine already convicted and 4,106 certificates revoked.
Military recruitment in Ukraine has been a divisive issue, especially after a significant recruitment drive earlier this year to bolster the country’s forces against Russia’s invasion. The signing of an updated mobilisation law in April 2024 expanded eligibility to men between the ages of 25 and 60, resulting in challenging conditions for frontline troops.
Reports indicate a surge in desertion prosecutions within Ukraine’s army, with over 30,000 cases this year, significantly higher than in 2022 when the conflict began. Troops have faced relentless battles without proper reinforcements, putting a strain on the military resources.
Efforts to address corruption within the disability system and ensure a fair process for those in need of support are ongoing as Ukraine continues to navigate challenges amid the ongoing conflict.
