DISINFO: Ukrainian forces use vests that are not bulletproof because of corruption
SUMMARY
A new video from Kiev regime activists, in which they document corruption within the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has appeared on the internet. Militants used foam rubber to fill their bulletproof vests, it is totally useless. It should be noted that the foam does not offer any protection to the soldiers but gives the impression of filling the body armour with protective material. The fighters were never able to find out where the suppliers got rid of the Kevlar.
RESPONSE
A recurrent pro-Kremlin narrative about alleged corrupt Ukrainian leaders who endanger those fighting on their behalf and jeopardise the chance of success for personal embezzlement.
The 13 second video does not establish the claims: unidentified soldiers in unidentified circumstances show a knife and a piece of what seems to be packing foam. The source of the video is a fierce anti-Ukrainian forces telegram channel which states that “Ukrofascists are supplied with body armour containing foam rubber instead of Kevlar” along with a smiley.
Each batch of bulletproof vests imported into Ukraine must have a valid ballistic certificate. Corruption is seriously addressed. In the beginning of the year, cases involving price gouging on catering for the Ukrainian army, and the sale of substandard body armour at inflated prices emerged. As a result, several key Ukrainian defence ministry officials were sacked and criminal investigations have been launched. However, those criminal cases did not directly put soldiers in danger by stealing their Kevlar protection.
Pro-Kremlin media have been trying to portray Ukraine as the most corrupt country in the world on numerous occasions in the past see here; here; and here.
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