President Volodymyr Zelensky received an emergency briefing from Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko regarding the recent events surrounding the fundraising efforts for the treatment of the severely ill patient with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Nazariy Husakov, who has already left Ukraine
This has become one of the most high-profile and controversial topics in recent weeks, generating wide public resonance and exposing several abuses within the humanitarian and volunteer sectors. According to Klymenko himself, the situation around Husakov’s fundraising is taking on the signs of a major scandal due to the possible use of fraudulent schemes in the process of raising financial resources. The minister reported that detailed investigations are ongoing into all publicly available data and testimonies, focusing on potential abuses that may have occurred within this aid campaign. He noted that since the start of the fundraising, at least four different financial institutions—banks or electronic wallets—as well as numerous digital platforms and services through which illegal transactions could have been launched, have been involved. Law enforcement is particularly concerned about individuals who may have been affected by possible fraudulent actions and for whom modern technologies could have been misused for malicious purposes. More specifically, according to the minister, Husakov left Ukrainian territory on June 13, and current efforts are aimed at establishing his whereabouts and other important circumstances relevant to the investigation. Zelensky emphasizes that the task of the state is to restore justice, with particular attention to preventing the discrediting of humanitarian fundraising and the volunteer movement as a whole. At the same time, it is stressed that any cases of misappropriation must receive a lawful and thorough response to prevent harm to the reputation of honest civic initiatives in the future. During the same meeting, Minister Klymenko also reported on the current situation at the front—including the use of advanced technologies, particularly drones in combat zones for more effective reconnaissance and control. Special attention is also given to measures countering so-called “lawless” criminal groups—almost legendary organized crime syndicates that remain influential in the criminal world and occasionally show activity within the country. This situation has further intensified public discourse on the transparency and accountability of charitable and volunteer foundations during mass fundraising efforts to aid sick children and other needy individuals. The Husakov case has elicited not only outrage over potential fraud but also concerns about the public’s trust in philanthropic initiatives overall. Additionally, there is mention of Nazariy Husakov’s personal story, which became widely discussed several months ago and attracted media attention. He is attributed a difficult fight against his illness, as well as a complex personal and financial journey, alongside complicated relationships with those involved in the fundraising. Various versions and speculations about the legality and transparency of the process have circulated on social media and in the media—currently calling for a thorough and independent investigation by relevant authorities. Thus, the situation surrounding humanitarian fundraising efforts—especially in sensitive cases like Husakov’s—continues to remain under close official scrutiny. Authorities assure that they will do everything possible for a comprehensive investigation and the upholding of justice. The public is urged to be cautious and not fall for potential scams. All participants involved in this process must face lawful accountability to prevent such situations from evolving into corrupt or fraudulent mechanisms that discredit the idea of aid and charity in the country. We await further developments and the results of investigations into this matter, which holds significant societal importance.