Ukrainian aviation companies may have ties to sanctioned Russian entities - Investigation

Businessman Roman Mileshko and Member of Parliament Ihor Kopytin from the Servant of the People party are in the spotlight of the investigation.

According to journalists, a company linked to Mileshko — H3 Operations LLC — secured over UAH 2 billion (about USD 48,147,000) in state contracts over the past two years, despite having a statutory capital of just UAH 120,000 (about USD 3,000). The report suggests lobbying efforts by MP Kopytin, who is said to have long-standing personal and business ties with Mileshko.

Journalists also uncovered that another company mentioned in the investigation — MS Avia-Grade — received a state contract in 2022 to upgrade ten Mi-8 helicopters, with a total value exceeding UAH 470 million (about USD 11,314,500). However, by the end of 2023, only four helicopters had been delivered.

Experts interviewed by the journalists noted that the installed equipment may not be adapted to Ukrainian climate conditions.

The investigation also highlights the possible use of Russian-made spare parts and the purchase of aviation equipment through offshore companies in the United Arab Emirates. One example is the 2024 purchase of a Mi-17 helicopter via the sanctioned company AMIS.

Among Mileshko's known associates, the authors also mention Aleko Tkemadze, who is linked to pro-Russian Georgian politician and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

According to the State Border Guard Service, Mileshko has been outside Ukraine since November 2024.

Meanwhile, Ihor Kopytin has not responded to journalists' inquiries. The investigation materials have been submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Security Service of Ukraine.