Agrarian Council and UCAB expressed support for Deputy Minister of Economy Vysotskyi

Ukrainian agrarian associations have called for a balanced consideration of the case in connection with the criminal proceedings against Taras Vysotskyi.

This was reported by the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council and the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club.

NABU and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have transferred to court criminal proceedings against the former First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine (currently Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Vysotsky) and former Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Oleksandr Hryban.

They are suspected of embezzlement in the amount of UAH 62.5 million in the purchase of food for state needs through JSC Ukrzaliznytsia at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The VAR expressed support for Taras Vysotsky and emphasized the need to strictly adhere to the principle of presumption of innocence.

“The VAR considers it unacceptable to spread unproven accusations against one of the key managers of the agricultural sector, who, in the absence of a separate profile ministry, systematically works in the interests of the industry, ensures its stability and proper support. It is especially important to maintain a constructive approach today, when the Ukrainian agricultural sector needs to consolidate efforts, effectively represent and protect its interests, including at the international level,” the message says.

The Ukrainian Agricultural Association also expressed its support for Vysotsky. In particular, the association believes that it is important for the agricultural community to focus on the circumstances of that period.

“In the first months of the full-scale invasion, the key task of the state was to promptly ensure the food security of the population. Relevant management decisions were made in conditions of martial law, uncertainty, disruption of logistics, and a critical need for a quick response. “Currently, the spread of unproven accusations against one of the most professional government officials is causing concern among the agricultural community,” the UCAB stressed.

The association called for an objective, impartial, and professional review of the case, taking into account all the circumstances.