President’s office silent on costs of Yermak’s U.S. trip, violating access to information
Source: Bukvy
On December 8, 2024, Bukvy submitted an official inquiry to the Office of the President of Ukraine, requesting details about the costs of Andriy Yermak’s recent visit to the United States.
President Zelensky’s top aide accompanied a Ukrainian delegation led by Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko during a December 4 trip, which saw the Ukrainian officials holding meetings with representatives of Donald Trump’s team, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and bipartisan members of the Senate and Congress.
In its request, Bukvy sought clarification on the following points:
- Was a presidential fleet aircraft used for Yermak’s visit? If so, which one?
- Did the delegation’s aircraft land at a U.S. military airbase?
- Which cities did the delegation visit?
- Where and for how long did the delegation stay in the U.S.?
- How much was spent on organizing and conducting the trip?
Under Ukraine’s Access to Public Information law, public authorities are obligated to respond to such requests within five working days. However, as of the evening of December 16, the President’s Office was tight-lipped failing to provide any response or addressing the questions raised.
Failure to reply requests like this violates Ukrainian law and may result in administrative penalties. Article 212-3 of Ukraine’s Code of Administrative Offenses stipulates fines ranging from 25 to 50 non-taxable minimum incomes for such violations.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).