Mikhail Zhernakov, a partner of Shabunin, presented a certificate of employment at a university to the military commissariat to avoid mobilization and then resigned from the university – media reported

Mykhailo Zhernakov, the head of the “DEJURE Foundation” and partner of the head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, Vitaliy Shabunin, provided the military enlistment office with a certificate of employment as a lecturer and then resigned from that position.

This was reported by “Law and Business.”

The publication describes that the certificate allowed Zhernakov to avoid criminal prosecution for evading mobilization. Previously, he was sought after for failing to appear following a summons, subsequently detained and fined 5,300 UAH (119 euros) for evading mobilization.

After undergoing a military medical commission, he was deemed fully fit for military service, and the previously diagnosed flat feet were dismissed as based on inaccurate information. However, Zhernakov provided a certificate stating that he was employed as a lecturer at a 0.75 rate at the “Kyiv School of Economics” and held a Ph.D., which granted him a deferment.

Recently, it was discovered that Zhernakov no longer works at the Kyiv School of Economics. This came to light following a recent scandal involving the reservation of 100% of employees from mobilization for organizations working on Western grants, including the Kyiv School of Economics. This incident led the media to recall Zhernakov’s teaching position.

Subsequently, both Zhernakov and the president of the Kyiv School of Economics, Tymofiy Mylovanov, confirmed that Zhernakov no longer works at the institution.

It is also noteworthy that Vitaliy Shabunin is facing charges for evading military service and forging documents. Shabunin confirmed to the media that he was aware of the criminal cases, stating that he voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the second day of the Russian invasion. Additionally, it was reported that Shabunin received a humanitarian vehicle intended to aid the front lines but uses it to drive around Kyiv.