**Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Cleared of Corruption Charges, Despite Ongoing Investigation**
In a surprise move, the High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine has ruled that Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov will keep his position, despite being under investigation for corruption. The decision was made on July 2, and it comes as a blow to those who had been hoping for a swift removal of the suspect from office.
**The Charges**
Chernyshov is accused of being involved in a large-scale land grab corruption case, which allegedly took place during his time as communities and territories minister between 2020-2022. According to investigators, Chernyshov and his associates undervalued land plots to benefit a developer, who then paid them significant kickbacks.
**The Investigation**
Prosecutors had filed a motion for Chernyshov’s removal from his position after he denied the allegations and refused to step down. However, the High Anti-Corruption Court has dismissed this request, allowing Chernyshov to continue serving as Deputy Prime Minister and National Unity Minister.
Chernyshov was banned from traveling abroad without permission and slapped with a bail set at Hr 120 million ($2.9 million) while awaiting trial. His defense team has filed an appeal against the bail, which they claim is too high.
**The Fallout**
This decision has sparked outrage among many in Ukraine, who see it as a sign that those in power are above the law. Chernyshov’s continued presence in office raises serious questions about the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in the country.
“This ruling sends a terrible message to the Ukrainian people,” said a spokesperson for one of the opposition parties. “It shows that even when high-ranking officials are accused of corruption, they can still keep their positions and continue to wield power.”
**The Implications**
Chernyshov’s case has been widely covered in Ukraine, with many seeing it as a major accusation against President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle. The fact that Chernyshov is the highest-ranking official in Ukrainian history to face such charges while in office only adds to the significance of this case.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its complex corruption landscape, this decision will undoubtedly be seen as a major setback for those fighting against graft and embezzlement.
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