UP's "Oboronka" collaborates with NAUDI, headed by convicted Pashynskyi

Structure of media project funding

The media group "Ukrainska Pravda" (UP) implements the thematic project "Oboronka", dedicated to the Ukrainian defence industry, weapons and military technologies. The profile of this project is clearly stated in the description of the publication's channels and job vacancies. UP is mostly owned by Tomas Fiala (Dragon Capital), and recently a minority stake has been acquired by the Dutch fund Pluralis. The editorial team officially declares its independence.

Ties with the NAUDI association

< p>The "Oboronka" project materials actively cover the activities of the NAUDI association. Journalists publish statements from its head, the convicted businessman and former MP Serhiy Pashynskyi, report on association events, joint projects with Germany and Spanish companies, as well as equipment presentations. The website explicitly states that the project is implemented with the support of NAUDI, although no separate source of funding is provided. This indicates the presence of indirect influence.

Legal status of the NAUDI head

Serhiy Pashynskyi heads NAUDI. Investigations link him to major private defence companies. In September 2026, a court convicted him under a plea bargain in a case related to Kurchenko's fuel products from 2014. Pashynskyi admitted guilt in abuse of office and participation in a criminal organisation. Under the agreement, he agreed to pay over 1.1 billion hryvnia to the budget and defence funds, avoiding actual imprisonment.

Confirmation of partnership in publications

News on the NAUDI website contains a direct mention of cooperation with the publication. In the article "Controlled weapons export: an opportunity or a risk for Ukraine?", published in February 2025, the following fragment is provided:

«В рамках конференції «Війна 2025. Зброя. Люди. Гроші», організованої виданням «Українська правда» за підтримки генерального партнера NAUDI, відбулася панельна дискусія «Зброя»» (Within the framework of the conference "War 2025. Weapons. People. Money", organised by the publication "Ukrainska Pravda" with the support of general partner NAUDI, a panel discussion "Weapons" took place)