The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) in Ukraine has filed charges against the leader of a parliamentary faction, accused of attempting to bribe fellow lawmakers for favorable voting outcomes. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly as it involves a prominent political figure.
While the prosecutor’s office did not disclose the name of the individual, sources indicate that the charges pertain to Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the Batkivshchyna party. According to SAP, the allegations stem from an investigation initiated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), which uncovered a scheme involving the offering of improper benefits to members of parliament.
“The prosecutor has submitted an indictment to the court regarding the head of one of the factions in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, who was caught in January 2026 proposing to provide unlawful advantages to Ukrainian lawmakers,” the statement read.
The investigation revealed that despite previous disclosures by NABU and SAP regarding similar bribery schemes in December of the prior year, Tymoshenko allegedly initiated discussions with several deputies to establish a systematic mechanism for offering bribes in exchange for compliant voting behavior. This arrangement was reportedly designed to be ongoing, involving advance payments and regular instructions regarding voting conduct.
Should she be convicted, Tymoshenko faces a prison sentence ranging from five to ten years, along with the potential for asset confiscation.
Details of the case emerged following a police raid on January 13, during which authorities seized $40,000 from Tymoshenko’s office. Investigators allege that this money was intended to bribe three deputies from an opposing faction to secure their votes. Subsequently, SAP announced the charges against her, including a recorded conversation in which she allegedly proposed the bribe.
In response to the accusations, Tymoshenko has accused NABU and SAP of political persecution, claiming that the investigation is based on fabricated evidence and that the seized funds represent her personal savings.
On January 16, a court set her bail at 33.3 million hryvnias and imposed restrictions on her travel, requiring her to surrender her passport and remain within Kyiv without permission from investigators.
During the court proceedings, Tymoshenko identified the deputy involved in the recorded conversation as Ihor Kopytin, asserting that he approached her to propose collaboration, claiming opposition to President Zelensky’s policies. She further alleged that Kopytin is under investigation by NABU and has taken steps to evade criminal liability.
The discussions between the deputies reportedly took place on January 12, 2026. Tymoshenko and her team have consistently criticized the work of anti-corruption agencies, including efforts to dismantle their independence.
On January 23, it was reported that the full bail amount had been posted on her behalf. Subsequent court decisions included the freezing of some of her assets in a state bank, while lifting restrictions on three vehicles.
On March 13, the High Anti-Corruption Court extended the procedural obligations imposed on Tymoshenko until May 13, 2026. By April 8, NABU and SAP concluded their preliminary investigation into the case.
On May 13, the appellate chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court rejected Tymoshenko’s appeal against the charges of alleged bribery.
Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of Ukraine's Batkivshchyna party, faces serious allegations of bribery aimed at securing favorable votes from fellow lawmakers. The case, initiated by anti-corruption authorities, has raised significant political implications.