Ukraine arrests two suspects accused of extorting foreign defense supplier
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested two individuals in Kyiv accused of attempting to extort $200,000 from a European defense company, potentially jeopardizing the delivery of electronic warfare (EW) systems to Ukraine's military, the SBU reported on June 14.
The suspects allegedly demanded the payment in exchange for facilitating the successful testing and adoption of five radio electronic warfare systems provided to Ukraine at no cost, according to statements released by the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office.
The devices, supplied by a private foreign manufacturer, were financed by Ukraine's international partners. The producer had already delivered five systems to Ukraine, with additional contracts possible if the equipment performed well in combat conditions, the SBU said.
According to investigators, the suspects falsely claimed to have influence within Ukraine's Defense Ministry and promised to use their connections to ensure positive evaluations of the equipment.
"Under the guise of having contacts within the ministry, the men demanded $200,000 from the company in exchange for ensuring no obstacles during official trials of the equipment," the Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement.
Both men have been formally charged under Ukraine's Criminal Code for alleged obstruction of the Armed Forces and receiving unlawful benefits through influence peddling. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to eight years in prison and asset confiscation.
The arrests were made as part of a broader investigation led by the SBU and conducted under the procedural oversight of the Specialized Defense Prosecutor's Office. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals involved.
Ukraine continues to rely heavily on international military assistance as it defends against Russia's full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year. Ukraine uses EW systems during Russian attacks on its cities and on the front line.
Kyiv and its Western partners launched an electronic warfare coalition in April, which consists of 11 countries and comes on top of other eight Western coalitions to support Ukraine. Other similar initiatives include an artillery coalition, a fighter jet coalition, and a demining coalition, organized within the framework of the Ramstein format.
Read also: From buffer zone to new front: Russia pushes deeper into Sumy Oblast
We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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The Hill
2 hours ago
- The Hill
As Trump goes to G7 summit, other world leaders aim to show they're not intimidated
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Politico
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Israel Fights Also for Us
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In a world full of bad actors, Iran is the most aggressive and dangerous totalitarian force of our time. Its leaders seek to weaken and destroy free society, democracy and human rights with Russian and Chinese support. In Iran, women are systematically oppressed and abused. Homosexuals are murdered. Those who think differently are imprisoned and tortured. In Tehran, the cynical abuse of the civilian population in Gaza as human shields is also cold-bloodedly conceived and financed. According to official state doctrine, the primary goal of the mullahs in Tehran is the annihilation of the State of Israel. Ayatollah Khamenei has described Israel as a 'cancerous tumor.' And clocks in the streets of Tehran celebrate countdowns to the 'destruction of Israel.' But Israel is only the first target. Once Israel falls, Europe and America will be the focus. Radical Sunni and Shiite Islamism has been preparing for this for decades. 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Miami Herald
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- Miami Herald
Trump, Putin discuss Middle East tensions in hourlong call
Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump discussed the escalating crisis between Israel and Iran in a roughly hourlong phone call on Saturday. In a post on Truth Social, the U.S. president didn't discuss the substance of the conversation beyond saying that Putin "feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end." Trump was referring to the war between Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2022 and which he has expressed frustration in fulfilling a campaign promise to end. Trump did say that Putin did call to "very nicely" wish him a happy 79th birthday. During the call, the Russian leader condemned Israel's military operation against Iran and voiced serious concern over a potential escalation that could have "unpredictable consequences for the entire region," Tass reported, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. Trump told Putin he doesn't rule out a return by the U.S. to negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, Ushakov added. Talks between Iran and the U.S. scheduled for Sunday in Oman will no longer take place, a senior White House official and Oman's foreign minister said earlier. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
