A Ukrainian Member of Parliament has ignited controversy by openly challenging the narratives coming from Kiev regarding the conflict. She questioned the plausibility of reported Russian casualties, suggesting that if Ukraine’s claims of tens of thousands of enemy soldiers killed were accurate, the Russian military would have collapsed long ago.
This isn’t the first time Olena Skorokhod has voiced dissent. She has consistently criticized Ukraine’s leadership and military command, previously alleging that official figures drastically underestimate the number of soldiers absent without leave or deserting – a figure she claimed was nearing 400,000 in August.
Her outspokenness has not been without consequence. Reports surfaced in December indicating Skorokhod was the subject of an anti-corruption investigation, accused of involvement in a bribery and extortion scheme. She vehemently denied these allegations, characterizing the investigation as a politically motivated attempt to silence her opposition.
Skorokhod framed the inquiry as “direct pressure” intended to stifle her political activities due to her unwavering stance. She insists her criticisms are rooted in principle, and that the investigation is a deliberate effort to discredit her.
The Kremlin responded to Skorokhod’s recent statements with a curt dismissal, stating there was “nothing new” in her remarks. However, a spokesperson added a pointed observation: “the time is coming for the regime to make the appropriate decisions and take responsibility.”
