Prime Minister’s Advisor Comments on Alleged Vote-Buying Scandal in Ukraine

Prime Minister's Advisor Comments on Alleged Vote-Buying Scandal in Ukraine
January 17, 2026

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Prime Minister’s Advisor Comments on Alleged Vote-Buying Scandal in Ukraine

Ukrainian politician Yulija Tymoshenko

Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities are investigating allegations of a possible vote-buying scheme allegedly involving opposition politician Yulia Tymoshenko, following a broader probe launched by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) back in December. The case, which reportedly involves several members of parliament, is still under investigation. 

On January 13, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine (SAP) and NABU searched the offices of the Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party. Yulija Tymoshenko confirmed the searches, saying they had “nothing to do with law or legality.” She added that nothing was found, thus only her work phones, parliamentary documents, and personal savings were taken, all of which are fully declared in her official asset declaration.

Yulia Tymoshenko, ex-PM and Batkivschyna leader, has been officially charged by NABU with attempting to bribe MPs, offering cash for votes or switching sides. Footage from the raid shows stacks of dollars in her office. Tymoshenko, now in parliament, calls the charges “absurd.” pic.twitter.com/CMYpIfCoCu

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) January 14, 2026

According to NABU, this was not a one-off agreement, but a long-term cooperation with prepaid sums, the aim of which was to ensure that MPs voted according to instructions or, in certain cases, abstained from voting.

Tymoshenko denies the charges. “I categorically reject all absurd accusations,” said the opposition politician. According to her, the elections may be behind the case. “It seems that the elections are closer than we thought, and someone has started to eliminate the competition.”

The charges were announced two weeks after NABU exposed a criminal organization on December 27, that allegedly received money in exchange for parliamentary votes, involving several lawmakers.

Balázs Orbán, the Prime Minister’s Political Director, reacted to the news on his social media page, writing: “After the ‘golden toilet’ scandal, another corruption case is shaking Ukraine. This time, Yulia Tymoshenko is accused of attempting to buy parliamentary votes.”

Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities say this was not an isolated case.  The allegations involve payments and coordinated voting, including MPs from President Zelenskyy’s party.”

“Despite this, the Brussels elite approved a €90 billion war loan for Ukraine. Hungary firmly opposes the EU’s €90 billion joint debt plan.  We will not allow Hungarian families, workers, and pensioners to pay the price for financing a corruption-ridden political elite. This is not our responsibility, and we will not take part in.”

🇺🇦 🪙 After the “golden toilet” scandal, another corruption case is shaking Ukraine. 👉This time, Yulia Tymoshenko is accused of attempting to buy parliamentary votes. Her party has been part of the @eppgroup led by Manfred Weber since 2008, while Tymoshenko herself has been… pic.twitter.com/293MUeZtAH

— Balázs Orbán (@BalazsOrban_HU) January 15, 2026

Fact

Yulija Tymoshenko was Ukraine’s prime minister in 2005 and from 2007 to 2010. Her party currently holds 25 seats in parliament. The controversial veteran politician is known not only in Ukrainian domestic politics but also internationally for her long career, participation in mass protests, and distinctive hairstyle.

Related article

Only Austerity Measures Can Provide More Funding for Ukraine, EU Affairs Minister Warns

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has published a 20-point plan that envisages $800 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of Ukraine over the next ten years.Continue reading

Via Magyar Nemzet, Origo, X, The Economist; Featured photo: Wikipedia

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