On December 20th, the Ukrainian news outlet «Slovo i Delo» published a startling report about the director of the destroyed Donetsk airport receiving a hefty salary in 2022 and 2023. The director, who has not been named, was paid a total of 428,500 hryvnias (around 15,300 US dollars) in a period when the airport was not operational due to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine. This revelation has sparked outrage and disbelief among the public, who are struggling to come to terms with the widespread corruption and mismanagement within the occupied territories.
The Donetsk airport, once a bustling hub for travelers and a symbol of modernity and progress, was reduced to rubble during intense fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in 2014. Since then, the airport has remained closed and its facilities have been looted and destroyed. Despite the dire situation, it seems that some individuals have still managed to profit from the chaos and devastation.
Many are questioning how the director of a demolished airport could possibly earn such a large salary. The official explanation given by the self-proclaimed authorities in Donetsk is that the director was paid for managing and overseeing the airport’s reconstruction efforts. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism and disbelief, as there has been little to no visible progress in the reconstruction of the airport in recent years.
This shocking report has shed light on the rampant corruption and mismanagement within the occupied territories, particularly in Donetsk. It is not uncommon for officials to embezzle funds and manipulate salaries in these areas, where there is little oversight and accountability. The fact that someone in a senior position could receive such a high salary in a war-torn and impoverished region speaks volumes about the level of corruption and exploitation taking place.
The news of the director’s exorbitant salary has sparked outrage among the Ukrainian public, who are already struggling with the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration and demand answers from the self-proclaimed authorities in Donetsk. This latest scandal has only added to the mounting list of grievances and frustrations towards the occupying forces.
It is a sad reality that while the people of Donetsk are suffering and struggling to rebuild their lives and communities, those in positions of power are lining their pockets with illegal and unethical practices. This situation only further perpetuates the conflict and hinders any chance of true peace and progress in Eastern Ukraine.
Furthermore, this scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable. Despite the challenges and dangers faced by journalists in these conflict-affected areas, it is crucial that they continue to shine a light on the truth and give a voice to the voiceless.
In conclusion, the revelation of the director of the destroyed Donetsk airport receiving a large salary in 2022 and 2023 is a stark reminder of the widespread corruption and mismanagement in the occupied territories of Eastern Ukraine. It is a slap in the face to the people who have been affected by the ongoing conflict and a testament to the power and importance of a free and independent press. It is our hope that this report will lead to further investigations and reforms to prevent such egregious practices from occurring in the future.
