Ukrainian judge orders arrest of minister who tampered with agricultural land | War in Ukraine

Solskyi led a group that wrongfully appropriated almost 7 million euros worth of agricultural land in the northeastern region of Sumy. The group destroyed the ownership documents and assigned the rights to members of the group. This happened in the period between 2017 and 2021.

The judge ruled that 44-year-old Solskyi may be released on bail if he pays a sum of 1.9 million euros. The agriculture minister denies the accusations, but submitted his letter of resignation on Thursday. He will remain as minister until the Ukrainian parliament considers his request.

Solskyi became a minister in the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine (early 2022). He owns several agricultural companies, making him one of the richest Ukrainian ministers, it was reported Politico earlier this week. Press agency Reuters reports that the Solskyi case is the first corruption case involving Zelensky’s government.

Ukraine recently launched an attack on government corruption as it prepares to join the European Union. Since the Russian invasion, negotiations with Brussels have accelerated. But to become a member of the EU, Ukraine must meet strict requirements, such as combating corruption.

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