Defense Ministry's decision on contracts with Hrynkevychs and NACP's order to Shmyhal: highlights for January 9

Increase in the death toll as a result of air attacks

Another person was found dead in Kyiv as a result of a missile attack by Russian troops on December 29, 2023. The death toll has reached 33. The signs of the deceased were found during the dismantling of destroyed building structures in a warehouse in the Shevchenkivskyi district.

In the Khmelnytskyi region, the death toll from a Russian missile attack on January 8 increased to three. Thus, rescuers found another victim, a 68-year-old man. The search operation is ongoing. Two more people were injured.

Exhibition about the "heyday" of occupied Mariupol was canceled in Italy

The City Council of Modena, Italy, has revoked the permission to hold a propaganda exhibition about the allegedly “rapid process of recovery” of temporarily occupied Mariupol, Donetsk region, following an appeal from Ukraine.

“We sincerely welcome this decision. We are grateful to both the city hall and Ukrainians in Italy who did not allow the Italian society to be misled about the consequences of Russian crimes in Mariupol and Ukraine,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.

Reaction of the authorities and Roman Hrynkevych to allegations about the activities of the Lviv businessman

Following the publication of information in the media about the possible illegal activities of Lviv businessman Ihor Hrynkevych, one of the largest suppliers to the Defense Ministry, the Ministry decided to terminate the contracts.

Currently, the ministry has one contract left with a company associated with the Hrynkevych family. The Ministry of Defense has already launched thorough internal audits.

Maksym Kozytskyi, the head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration, also responded. He assured that he did not introduce Ihor Hrynkevych to Defense Ministry officials and did not facilitate his cooperation with the ministry in any way.

Meanwhile, the son of the Lviv businessman, Roman, said that the family is confident that the activities took place in accordance with the current legislation. He claims to know who is “interested in this scandal” and its “direct customers and beneficiaries”.

Zelensky held a meeting with the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief

The President of Ukraine held a regular meeting with the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to analyze the latest Russian attacks and the effectiveness of the Air Force. According to him, during the discussion, they agreed on steps to strengthen the protection of cities, communities, enterprises and critical infrastructure.

The meeting also addressed the issue of supplying the frontline with shells and drones.

Umierov and Zaluzhnyi visit Ukrainian Armed Forces positions near Kupiansk

Minister of Defense Rustem Umierov, along with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Serhii Shaptala, visited the positions of the Defense Forces near Kupiansk, Kharkiv region. They discussed the situation in the area.

“I had the honor to meet with the commanders of the units who are fighting in this direction now. They reported on the situation and current challenges. Decisions will be made in the near future — the enemy will not like it,” the Minister of Defense assured.

Shmyhal's order

The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption has issued a notice to Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. He is required to eliminate violations of anti-corruption legislation committed by the government.

The NACP said that in 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted 131 resolutions without sending their drafts for anti-corruption expertise. This is a violation of Article 55 of the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Corruption”. According to it, the Ministry of Justice must review all draft regulations considered by the government.

The number of men who become the sole guardian of a child has increased in Ukraine

According to an investigation by NGL.media, the number of court decisions by which a man becomes the sole guardian of his minor children has increased 9 times in Ukraine since 2021.

Such a decision allows avoiding mobilization. More than 30% of all such decisions are made by one court in Odesa region. Detectives from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau have begun to investigate this.

Other important news

• The decision on the draft law on mobilization was postponed until tomorrow.
• The Rada recommended the draft law on the register of persons liable for military service for a second reading.
• Sergei Parajanov was officially rehabilitated after his trial in the USSR.
• The Language Ombudsman fined a Kyiv taxi driver who refused to serve passengers in Ukrainian.
• A new advisor was appointed to the Deputy Minister of Defense. She will be responsible for preventing corruption in procurement.
• Fedorov: The state has contracted ShaBlia robotic turrets for the first time.