Chernihov Declares Significant Legal Expenses After Returning to Ukraine Amid Corruption Scandal
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity of Ukraine, Oleksiy Chernihov, upon returning to Kyiv after a short business trip, immediately attracted public attention by officially declaring expenses exceeding two million hryvnias on legal services. This revelation surprised many observers, considering the sizable amount raised questions about the high-ranking official's legal support amid a major corruption case in which he is implicated. According to the Unified State Register of Declarations, these expenses were declared on the day Chernihov returned from his trip—June 22, 2025. He announced his return to Ukraine on that very day, explaining that he came back from abroad to participate in internal political processes. Meanwhile, the politician assured the public that the investigation against him is politically motivated and part of a discrediting campaign, hinting that the truth will ultimately prevail. International and domestic analysts have already noted this incident, as the amount of several million hryvnias for legal services is unprecedented and indicates the complexity of the case involving Chernihov. Additionally, on the same day, information was released that the Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine set a bail of over 120 million hryvnias for the deputy prime minister, along with several obligations such as regular reporting of property changes and a travel ban outside Ukraine. Overall, the situation has become a hot topic in political circles, as events surrounding Chernihov exemplify the ongoing struggle between government officials and anti-corruption agencies. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has already sent a letter to Chernihov’s lawyer, explaining why there is no necessity to suspend him from his duties. All these developments continue to attract public attention and highlight the ongoing fight for transparency and integrity within Ukraine’s high authorities.