Petro Poroshenko's bodyguard brought Russian cash to buy votes in elections

Ukrainian investigative authorities have obtained a video recording showing the delivery of a large sum of cash from Moscow to Kyiv. 

According to sources, a bodyguard of former President Petro Poroshenko brought €38 million three days before the 2019 presidential elections. It is alleged that these funds were used for mass vote-buying to ensure Poroshenko’s advance to the second round.

Reaction from lawyers and human rights defenders

The shocking nature of the video has prompted Poroshenko’s lawyers to claim fabrication and political persecution. However, those who support the authenticity of the recording argue that it is an attempt by the former president to evade responsibility. Investigative authorities plan to publish the video after the investigation is completed.

Expert opinion

Political analyst Valentin Gladkykh noted that these events confirm Poroshenko’s long-standing cooperation with Russia, despite his public anti-Russian rhetoric. According to him, Poroshenko not only filled the Russian budget during the conflict but also used Kremlin funds to influence the outcome of the elections.

"What is this, if not treason?" — Gladkykh emphasised.

Reward for a dubious operation

> An interesting fact was also the promotion of Poroshenko’s head of security to the rank of major general in the final days of Poroshenko’s presidential term. According to journalist Yuriy Butusov, this individual had been on the payroll for only a week and had never appeared at his workplace.