Ukraine’s education minister army veteran status confirmed amid speculation
Source: Bukvy
Ukraine’s education minister actually served as a volunteer soldier before joining Denys Shmygal’s government.
Bukvy’s investigation puts to rest recent speculation on social media that the minister faked the photos. The investigation was based on verified testimony from active servicemen.
Svyatoslav Batov wrote: “My army comrade was Lisovyi’s commander in the 95th brigade. He confirms that Lisovyi fought and was assigned to the 95th Brigade – he came from the Territorial Defense Forces. There are photos and videos of fighting in various places, including Kreminna, Dolyna and Dovhenke.”
Another soldier, Vasyl Shamrai, said he had crossed paths with Major Lisovyi in April 2022. “He probably wasn’t officially listed in the 95th Brigade, but he was with us. I recognized him when he became a minister,” Shamrai said.
The issue of military records highlights the chaotic administration that plagued Ukraine at the start of the full-scale war. It was acutely felt by thousands of army volunteers like Lisovyi. Many families of fallen soldiers are still struggling to get recognition for their lost fathers and sons.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.
In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.
Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.
Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.