A former head of the Mykolaiv regional medical commission, Vira Belyakova, has been implicated in corruption schemes related to military draft evasion. She has transferred over 4.7 million UAH to support Ukrainian military forces and has entered a plea agreement acknowledging her guilt.
Belyakova’s legal troubles began in October 2024, when authorities uncovered more than $450,000 in cash and a collection of jewelry hidden at various locations during a search of her properties. Investigations also revealed that her son possesses a Russian passport.
During a court session on March 12, Belyakova’s attorney submitted documentation of her charitable donation of 4,737,860 UAH to a military unit. The prosecutor outlined the charges against her, detailing how she allegedly directed subordinates to create a false medical assessment for a conscript, allowing him to obtain a third-degree disability status, which exempted him from military service.
In addition to the corruption charges, Belyakova faces accusations of false declaration of income. The prosecutor presented a plea agreement in which Belyakova admits her guilt and agrees to cooperate with investigations in a related criminal case. The proposed sentence includes five years of imprisonment, with a probation period to be determined by the court.
Furthermore, she would be barred from holding administrative positions in healthcare institutions for three years. Both parties requested the court to approve the plea agreement, with the defense seeking a minimum probation term of one year. The court has since retreated to deliberations.
Vira Belyakova, a former official accused of corruption linked to military draft evasion, has donated 4.7 million UAH to the military and accepted a plea deal. She faces significant legal consequences, including a potential prison sentence and restrictions on future employment in healthcare.