Evgeny Yevljev, spokesperson for the Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA), has been dismissed following a scandalous dispute with a journalist
Amid intense discussions and growing public attention, the Kyiv City Military Administration made an important personnel change — Евген Yевлєв stepped down from his position as the spokesperson for the KCMA. This occurred after a recent conflict that escalated into a scandal involving direct threats to journalist Евген Вакуленко, prompting widespread public condemnation and raising questions about the government’s interaction with the media and its openness to criticism. The head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Tymur Tkhachenko, officially announced the dismissal of his spokesperson via the Telegram channel. According to him, the decision to change personnel has been made and is final. Tkhachenko noted that Евген Yевлєв is leaving his position today and thanked him for his work and his contribution to Ukraine’s defense. “Today is Евген Yевлєв’s last day as spokesperson. I want to thank him for his dedication and efforts, which he has put in through round-the-clock work in the interests of our state,” he stated. The discussion of personnel changes arose after it became known about a publicly disclosed conflict between Yevljev and journalist Vakulenko that took place at the end of April. Donetsk-based media published details: notably, the “Vilne Radio” revealed information concerning threats made by the KCMA spokesperson. Following the publication, Vakulenko received messages threatening physical harm. Yevljev allegedly threatened Vakulenko and his family, which shocked the public and cast doubt on the ethical standards and restraint of the official. It was revealed that the root of the conflict was a journalist’s report on the assets of employees of the Territorial Defence and Security Forces (TDF and SF) in the Donetsk region. The publication mentioned, among others, Sergei Yevljev — Евген’s father. According to the journalist, Yevljev’s wife owns an SUV, but his income was not confirmed in official documents, raising suspicions about the legality of the funds’ origins. After the incident, Yevljev initially attempted to deny any conflict or offense. He claimed that there were no threats or intimidation on his part and accused journalists of trying to create shocking content to “sell.” However, his position later changed, and he tried to minimize the negative resonance, yet the public’s perception of the situation was already damaged. Yevljev’s dismissal sends a message from the KCMA leadership that the authorities are not willing to ignore cases involving unacceptable communication methods and potential threats to journalists’ safety. Meanwhile, officials reported that the process of selecting a new official spokesperson has been delayed due to circumstances, and for now, Tymur Tkhachenko will personally fulfill the spokesperson’s duties to ensure prompt and transparent communication with the public and the media community. The incident has also highlighted another sensitive issue: how prepared and capable Kyiv’s current leadership is for open and professional communication during wartime and crises. It appears that even within institutions responsible for information policy, unacceptable behavior can occur, undermining public trust in the authorities. Likely, this incident will serve as a lesson for other officials and for those responsible for shaping the perception of government policies through media. Overall, this case reaffirms that in a time when information warfare and disinformation are part of daily life for Ukrainians, every member of the government team must be accountable for their words and actions. The authorities should be open to criticism, measured in their responses, and foster a safe environment for journalists — only then can trust and public support be maintained. Kyiv City Military Administration is currently awaiting a new appointment and is closely monitoring the situation. At the same time, it is crucial that similar incidents do not recur in the future, and that official policies and communication strategies are based on transparency, respect, and adherence to ethical standards. This is essential for strengthening the entire institution of government and preserving the trust of Ukrainian society during these challenging times of struggle and recovery.