Send me the coordinates of our fund: this is how the No. 2 of Kiev diplomacy stole international aid destined for Ukraine

Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenter3 hr. ago

In early 2022, during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Oleksandr Bankov, then Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, allegedly orchestrated the misappropriation of international aid intended for Ukraine. According to Italian newspaper *Il Fatto Quotidiano*, Bankov requested coordinates for a 'fund' via phone call, suggesting he was involved in diverting funds. The investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) alleges that Bankov, along with others, siphoned over 37 million hryvnias (about $1.28 million) from foreign donations meant to support Ukraine. These funds were reportedly transferred to a controlled NGO, legitimized through forged documents, and later converted into cash through shell companies and intermediaries. Bankov remained in his position until September 2024 under successive ministers, despite ongoing investigations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents allegations of corruption involving high-ranking Ukrainian officials and does not exhibit clear ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. It reports on an ongoing legal investigation without overtly favoring any side.

Phys.orgIndependentCenteryesterday

A research team led by Professor Travers B. Child from the SKK Graduate School of Business analyzed how international aid fragmentation impacts corruption in developing countries. Using micro-level data from over 30,000 aid projects in Afghanistan’s 330 districts, combined with NATO-collected household surveys, they found that when multiple aid agencies operate simultaneously in a region, it increases opportunities for corruption due to reduced oversight and diffused accountability. Their study showed that while moderate aid volumes with multiple agencies could foster innovation, excessive funding under fragmented conditions worsened corruption, especially in physical infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. The findings were published in the May 2026 issue of the Review of Economics and Statistics.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced academic analysis of how aid fragmentation influences corruption, citing empirical data and avoiding overtly ideological language. It does not favor any particular political stance but rather reports on the findings of a research study.