"We pay US$10,000 for two sessions": Tymoshenko tapes content revealed
A recording released by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) shows Yuliia Tymoshenko, leader of the Batkivshchyna parliamentary faction, and an unidentified MP discussing a scheme for providing payments in exchange for specific votes in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament).
Source: an audio recording released by NABU
Details: The conversation took place on 12 January, ahead of votes on the dismissal of Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. In the tapes, Tymoshenko says, "We pay 'ten' (US$10,000) for two sessions, we pay for two sessions in advance."
The audio also discusses that vote coordination will take place via secure messengers such as Signal.
The discussions covered not only draft laws but also personnel matters. On the eve of staff changes, Tymoshenko gave instructions: "We vote for dismissal [from office – ed.] and do not vote for appointment."
Background:
- On the evening of Tuesday 13 January, NABU and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office reported that they had uncovered corruption involving the leader of a parliamentary faction. Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that the case concerns Yuliia Tymoshenko.
- The anti-corruption bodies stated that Tymoshenko had been exposed for allegedly offering unlawful benefits to several MPs from other factions in exchange for voting for or against specific draft laws.
- The case has been classified under Article 369.4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
- On the morning of 14 January, sources in political circles told Ukrainska Pravda that anti-corruption agencies had served Yuliia Tymoshenko with a notice of suspicion.
- Tymoshenko later confirmed searches at the party office but said she rejects all accusations.
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