In January 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports announced elections for the rector of the National University of Physical Education and Sports (NUFVSU). Minister Matviy Bidny held a meeting with the university’s vice-rectors on January 21, where he reportedly identified his preferred candidate, Yevhen Bazhenkov, for the position.
Bazhenkov has a contentious background, having served in the Ministry of Education and Science from 2011 to 2014 under the leadership of Dmytro Tabachnyk, who was a minister during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. During his tenure, Bazhenkov held significant roles, including head of the department for interaction with government bodies and media, as well as chair of the Committee on Physical Education and Sports.
Despite the political upheaval following the Revolution of Dignity, Bazhenkov has publicly expressed respect for Tabachnyk, which has raised eyebrows. Reports have also linked him to a scandal involving the embezzlement of assets from the Social Insurance Fund and allegations of plagiarism in his dissertation.
Media outlets have suggested that Tabachnyk’s influence has been pivotal in Bazhenkov’s return to high-ranking positions, including his appointment as director of the Institute for Modernization of Education Content in 2020.
Following the transfer of NUFVSU from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Youth and Sports in December 2024, sources within the university claim that Minister Bidny is attempting to install a candidate associated with the previous regime. Insiders have indicated that the minister is clear about his expectations, insisting that the election outcome must align with his preferences.
Critics have characterized this move as an effort to restore the old system through a candidate linked to Tabachnyk, who is currently wanted on charges of treason. The academic community has expressed significant concern over the implications of such lobbying, particularly in the context of ongoing societal resistance and the challenges posed by the current war. The feasibility of advancing Bazhenkov’s candidacy remains in question, but the very act of lobbying for it has already sparked considerable discontent.
The appointment of Yevhen Bazhenkov as rector of Ukraine's National University of Physical Education has ignited controversy due to his connections with former Minister Dmytro Tabachnyk. Critics warn that this move may signal a return to past governance practices amidst ongoing societal challenges.
Source: Фраза