Yulia Tymoshenko received a suspicion from NABU: what the politician is accused of.

According to ТСН: The leader of the "Fatherland" party, Yulia Tymoshenko, is one of the most famous and simultaneously controversial figures in Ukrainian politics. She is accused of non-transparent energy schemes, populism, and conflict, and currently, anti-corruption bodies suspect her of distributing bribes to MPs. Tymoshenko has created an image of the "only rescuer," which has begun to cause voter fatigue.

"United Energy Systems of Ukraine" — the foundation of all scandals

In the early 1990s, the energy company "United Energy Systems of Ukraine" became a gas monopolist, importing Russian gas and distributing it across the regions. Tymoshenko effectively managed the corporation, had close ties with the Russian Ministry of Defense, and was one of the key players in the gas market. During this period, the company accumulated debts and had unclear financial reporting.

Since the gas was supplied through the Russian Ministry of Defense, this allowed Moscow in 2012 to raise the case and apply legal pressure on Ukraine. This cemented Tymoshenko's image as a 90s oligarch, making her toxic for part of the society.

Arrest of 2001 — a political victim with a background

Criminal cases were initiated against Tymoshenko and her husband Alexander related to the activities of the United Energy Systems. In 2001, she was arrested on charges of smuggling Russian gas and tax evasion. Tymoshenko spent 42 days in the Lukyanivska pre-trial detention center, and her arrest sparked a wave of protests.

The arrest became the catalyst for the "Ukraine without Kuchma" action. Later, the General Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine closed the cases due to lack of evidence of a crime. Tymoshenko's arrest was politically motivated, but the cases had real grounds.

Orange Revolution and the war with Yushchenko

The conflict between Viktor Yushchenko and Tymoshenko became one of the most important pages in Ukrainian politics. Their alliance fell apart after the victory of the Orange Revolution due to a struggle for power.

Here are the key moments of their confrontation:

• 2004 Constitutional Reform: Changes limited the powers of the president, and the prime minister received real management levers, which caused competition.
• First resignation (September 2005): The reason was accusations of corruption against Yushchenko's closest associates.
• Gas wars: The conflict flared up again after Tymoshenko returned to the post of prime minister in 2007.
• Personal disagreements and the 2010 elections: They acted as fierce enemies, leading to Yanukovych's victory due to the fragmentation of the electorate.

Gas contracts with Russia and another arrest

In 2009, while being prime minister, Tymoshenko signed gas agreements with Putin, which drew criticism and led to her conviction in 2011 for exceeding her powers. The verdict was recognized as politically motivated in 2014, and she was released.

The European Court of Human Rights recognized the arrest as illegal but did not acknowledge her innocence in the essence of the case.

Populism and unrealistic promises

Tymoshenko has come under criticism for:

• promises to lower tariffs without clear funding sources;
• statements about "quick peace";
• using social rhetoric without realistic mechanisms.

Tymoshenko's rhetoric during the war: a line between populism and risk

Tymoshenko did not cooperate with the Russian Federation, however, her rhetoric after 2014 created numerous information risks.

One of the most resonant moments occurred on February 28, 2014, when she expressed against military resistance in Crimea. "No tank should leave the box," she noted then.

During the 2019 election campaign, Tymoshenko criticized Poroshenko for enriching himself during the war. "For the authorities, today’s war is a big and profitable business," she added.

"Dubai Battalion"

Amid the difficult situation in Ukraine, Tymoshenko drew attention when she was spotted on a private beach in Dubai. This caused outrage from the public due to the inconsistency with the realities of the war.

Tymoshenko against medical cannabis

She is a staunch opponent of the legalization of medical cannabis, stating that legislation will lead to transforming Ukraine into "Colombia." "The government wants to turn Ukraine into a drug plantation," Tymoshenko stated while opposing the adoption of the law.

"Selling land is famine"

Tymoshenko has opposed the land market, arguing that "transnational corporations will buy up all the black soil." The land market in Ukraine has existed since 2021, and foreigners are prohibited from purchasing land.

The myth of "complete loss of sovereignty"

Tymoshenko claimed that the supervisory boards of state companies are "foreign management." At the same time, these boards are created to prevent corrupt schemes.

Searches at "Fatherland" and Tymoshenko's suspicion

Tymoshenko confirmed the searches in the office of "Fatherland," calling them "an illegal seizure of the building." She was charged with offering a substantial bribe. The politician denies all accusations, considering them a political order before the elections.

The recent events surrounding Yulia Tymoshenko once again confirmed her ambiguous role in Ukrainian politics. Anti-corruption investigations and political accusations can significantly impact her image among voters. After all, even an experienced politician like Tymoshenko continues to find herself at the center of scandals, indicating a tense internal political situation in Ukraine.