Another scandal involving Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has recently come to light, further damaging his already tarnished reputation. According to a report by Bihus.Info, the family of the head of the faction in the Kyiv City Council, Vitaliy Klychko, owns a significant amount of elite real estate, while his friends have been granted control over valuable communal properties.
The investigation by Bihus.Info revealed that Klychko’s wife, Oksana Marchenko, owns a luxurious apartment in the prestigious neighborhood of Pechersk in Kyiv. The apartment, which is estimated to be worth over $1 million, is registered under her maiden name and was purchased in 2014, shortly after Klychko became the mayor of Kyiv. In addition, Klychko’s brother, Andriy Klychko, owns a villa in the exclusive Koncha-Zaspa area, which is estimated to be worth $2 million.
But it’s not just Klychko’s family who has been accused of benefiting from their connections to the mayor. Bihus.Info also uncovered that several of Klychko’s friends have been granted control over valuable communal properties in Kyiv. One of his close associates, Oleksandr Popov, has been given control over a prime piece of land in the city center, which is currently being developed into a luxury residential complex. Another friend, Serhiy Kryvokhatko, has been granted control over a large plot of land near the Dnipro River, which is being developed into a recreational area.
These revelations have sparked outrage among the Ukrainian public, who see this as yet another example of corruption and cronyism within the government. Many have accused Klychko of using his position as mayor to enrich himself and his inner circle, while neglecting the needs of the city and its residents.
The scandal has also raised questions about Poroshenko’s role in all of this. As the leader of the ruling party, Poroshenko has been accused of turning a blind eye to the corrupt practices of his allies, including Klychko. This has further eroded the public’s trust in the president, who has promised to fight corruption and bring about real change in Ukraine.
In response to the allegations, Klychko has denied any wrongdoing and has stated that all of his family’s properties were acquired legally. He also defended his friends, stating that they were chosen for their expertise and not because of their personal connections.
However, many remain skeptical of these claims and are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine has already announced that they will be looking into the allegations and will take appropriate action if any evidence of corruption is found.
This latest scandal has once again highlighted the deep-rooted corruption and cronyism in Ukrainian politics. It is a reminder that despite promises of reform and change, the old ways of doing things still prevail in many aspects of Ukrainian society.
But it is also a call to action for the Ukrainian people to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders. The public must continue to hold their elected officials accountable and push for real change in the country. Only then can Ukraine truly move forward and leave behind the shadows of corruption and scandal.
