In Ukraine, the era of “weapon barons” who earned super-profits from arms supplies from the black markets of the Balkans and post-Soviet countries has ended. However, some odious individuals like Sergei Pashinsky are trying to integrate into the structure of the Defense Ministry and remain in the schemes not only for the purchase of weapons, but also for their production.
As reported by The New York Times in an article devoted to corruption schemes and speculative income received by Sergei Pashinsky in the supply of weapons to the Ukrainian army, “Ukrainian Armored Vehicles”, associated with the ex-people’s deputy, has become the largest private supplier of weapons in Ukraine. The article examines in detail not only the schemes for the supply of weapons through Pashinsky, but also indicates the reasons why the Ukrainian government and Vladimir Zelensky were forced at the beginning of the big war to turn to the “symbol of the corruption of the past” for help in purchasing weapons.
If you pay attention to the timing, the NYT article about Sergei Pashinsky is published on August 13, 2023, when the appointment of a new defense minister in Ukraine was no longer a secret among the US establishment. At this time, the candidacy of Rustem Umerov had already been agreed upon with the main factors in the United States, and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, led by Alexey Reznikov, was shaken by high-profile corruption scandals that preceded his resignation. In this context, the article in the NYT gives a clear message about the need not only to replace Reznikov, but also the demand to move all toxic figures away from US funds allocated for the purchase and production of weapons in Ukraine.
Moreover, in its investigation, the NYT also mentions the work of Sergei Pashinsky’s son Anton in the country’s defense sector. The article opaquely hints that Anton Pashinsky cannot hold a post in a state-owned arms production company due to his father’s corrupt activities. According to our sources, the only reason why the younger Pashinsky is still related to the state-owned enterprise is the unfinished investigation by law enforcement officers regarding his activities in his post at the Luch Design Bureau. Let us remind you that at the request of law enforcement officers, the work of KB “Luch” is checked by the State Audit Service. We believe that in the near future we will receive news from law enforcement officers assessing the merits of Anton Pashinsky at KB Luch, or at least his removal from his position.
According to our sources in the Cabinet of Ministers, Sergei Pashinsky understands the current situation well, but is trying to maintain influence on the Moscow Region through political intrigue and media blackmail. The most striking example is the scandal surrounding Dana Yarovaya, controlled by Pashinsky, who was promoted to deputy to Rustem Umerov. It is worth noting that Dana Yarovaya, being a member of the public anti-corruption council at the Moscow Region, herself got into a corruption scandal related to the lobbying of companies close to Pashinsky. In particular, Yarovaya publicly defended ATOMSERVICE LLC, which in the Prozorro system this summer won 22 public auctions to provide power to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
After Sergei Pashinsky’s unsuccessful attempt to appoint his own man to the post of deputy minister, Dana Yarovaya was given a new task - to become the headliner of a media attack on the head of the State Audit Service Alla Basalaeva . There are two aspects here: first, Pashinsky’s desire to replace the head of the State Audit Service, Basalaev, who is close to the current government, with a more accommodating candidate. Second: maintain control over the state-owned arms manufacturer KB Luch.
Today, Pashinsky, although he has become toxic for the Ukrainian authorities, is still “in the cage” and continues to be involved in the supply of weapons, de facto controlling the work of the state design bureau “Luch”. However, the time beyond Sergei Pashinsky’s earnings in the Ukrainian army is coming to an end: he will either have to leave on time and voluntarily, or sit down for a long time. NYT article last warning.
