Former Culture Minister Karandieiev Accused of Helping Draft-Eligible Men Leave Ukraine Illegally.

Charges Against Rostyslav Karandieiev

According to Novyny.live: Rostyslav Karandieiev, who previously served as acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy, is now under suspicion for allegedly helping eight men of conscription age exit Ukraine unlawfully. These individuals reportedly left the country under the pretense of musical tours and have not returned. Investigators are currently looking into other possible participants in this scheme.

Karandieiev held the ministerial post from July 28, 2023, until September 2024. During his tenure, the Ministry issued letters of support that enabled musicians to travel abroad. Karandieiev himself stated,

“Both then and now—and during my time leading the ministry—we traveled using letters of support signed by the ministry’s head.”

Why Oversight Matters During Wartime

Under martial law, the departure of military-age men from Ukraine has become a matter of heightened scrutiny. Commenting on the case, Ruslan Kravchenko emphasized:

“In wartime, any official decision regarding the exit of draft-eligible men is not a mere formality.”

An ongoing investigation aims to uncover all details of the case and identify those responsible for organizing the alleged scheme. The situation has sparked concern, as it involves potential violations of Ukrainian law that could carry serious consequences—both for the suspects and for the broader system regulating the departure of conscription-age individuals.

This incident highlights the importance of enforcing legal rules and maintaining oversight over the exit of draft-eligible men under martial law. With the country at war, state authorities must pay close attention to prevent abuse and safeguard national security. The investigation may reveal not only individual misconduct but also systemic weaknesses in how such departures are monitored.