I am innocent, not hiding from investigators – Shurma
Former Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Rostyslav Shurma does not plead guilty in the case of abuse of payments under the "green" tariff for solar power plants in temporarily occupied territories (TOT), is not hiding from the investigation and is ready to participate in procedural actions via videoconference or from Ukrainian diplomatic institutions in Germany, which he named as his permanent place of residence.
"In connection with the public disclosure surrounding the criminal proceedings and the dissemination in the media of various information regarding my procedural status, I consider it necessary to publicly clarify my position. I am not hiding and confirm my readiness to cooperate with the investigation within the framework of criminal proceedings No. 42023000000001375," Shurma wrote on his Facebook on Tuesday.
He stated that he has repeatedly officially requested to ensure his participation in procedural actions in the manner prescribed by law - via videoconference or on the territory of Ukrainian diplomatic institutions abroad, as he currently permanently resides in the Federal Republic of Germany.
"All my current contact details, residential address and contacts of my defense lawyers have been provided to law enforcement agencies. I expect that these requests will be considered in compliance with the requirements of the law and with respect for my right to defense," Shurma noted.
He emphasized that he does not plead guilty to committing any crime and is convinced that he did not commit any unlawful actions.
At the same time, Shurma noted that the proceedings are accompanied by "signs of selective and politically motivated pressure," and it is fundamentally important for him that the investigation be carried out impartially, with observance of all procedural guarantees and the principle of a fair trial.
"I am open to lawful cooperation and expect the same compliance with the law from the investigation," the former Deputy Head of the Presidential Office summarized.
As reported, law enforcement officers exposed a scheme of embezzlement of money designated for payments under the "green" tariff by commercial energy generating enterprises in the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhia region, the total amount of damage is UAH 141.3 million, among the suspects is Shurma.
In total, there are nine suspects in the case. In addition to Shurma himself, the suspect is his brother - the owner of a network of Ukrainian and foreign companies, a confidant of the former high-ranking official, managers and employees of controlled enterprises, as well as the former commercial director of JSC Zaporizhiaoblenergo.
As the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) explained, in 2019-2020, a former deputy of the Donetsk Regional Council, together with his brother, took control of a number of enterprises that produced electricity from alternative sources. On the territory of Vasylivka district of Zaporizhzhia region, they built solar power plants with a total capacity of approximately 60 MW and concluded contracts with the state enterprise Guaranteed Buyer for the sale of electricity at the "green" tariff.
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the occupation of part of Zaporizhia region, the solar power plants lost connection with Ukraine’s unified energy system, suffered damage, and personnel were evacuated. Despite this, enterprises controlled by the suspects continued to declare electricity production and receive payment for it at the "green" tariff, although in fact electricity was not supplied to Ukraine’s energy system.
They reported false information about generation volumes and the technical readiness of the stations, including during complete power outages. The money received was subsequently withdrawn through affiliated companies.
On December 29, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers prematurely terminated the powers of Shurma as a state representative on the supervisory board of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine at his request.
German law enforcement authorities on July 15, 2025, at the request of NABU, conducted searches of Shurma at his place of residence in Starnberg (Bavaria) near Munich. At that time, NABU Director Semen Kryvonos refused to give political assessments of investigative actions, although he admitted that NABU’s effectiveness could have caused a certain crisis. Later, he noted that the investigative actions concerned, in particular, the activities of Guaranteed Buyer.
