The CEO of Ukrposhta explained why he pays bonuses to himself and his team during the war.

The CEO of Ukrposhta, Ihor Smilianskyi, responded to a request from MP Oleksii Honcharenko to the State Audit Office regarding the bonuses paid to the management of Ukrposhta. According to Honcharenko, this amounted to 36.6 million UAH. Employees of Ukrposhta receive bonuses if they deserve them, Smilianskyi stated in his Facebook post, referring to the information from Honcharenko, who also expressed his suspicions.

'Yes, we have a bonus system based on achieving results. If people meet their goals, they receive bonuses. This applies not only to administrative staff but also to postal workers and drivers. But when we incur losses, they have no reason to receive bonuses. The state in Ukraine lacks money now, and we receive help from our partners, but Lesha [Honcharenko] continues to receive a salary - despite such difficult conditions,' Smilianskyi ironically commented.

Furthermore, Smilianskyi reminded the MP about 'Honcharenko centers', which provide free training courses to Ukrainians in almost all regions. In his opinion, this is a tool for political PR.

'A businessman invests millions in him - not directly into his hands, but in 'centers' named after him (this is basically electoral campaigning). But this is not bribery in any way. Why? Because this person is very honest,' Smilianskyi noted.

Earlier, Oleksii Honcharenko reported that he received a response to his request from the State Audit Office, stating that from 2022 to 2024, the management of Ukrposhta was paid bonuses totaling 36.6 million UAH.

Also earlier, Ihor Smilianskyi published a post on his Facebook page hinting at his influential contacts in politics. He specifically mentioned that he studied at the same educational institution in the USA where the children of US President Donald Trump also study - the business school of Georgetown University.

In December 2024, Ihor Smilianskyi became the government representative for the reform of customs authorities. He noted that he would continue to fulfill the duties of CEO of Ukrposhta.

Analysis

In this news, Ihor Smilianskyi responds to the accusations of MP Oleksii Honcharenko regarding the payment of bonuses to the management of Ukrposhta. He confirms the existence of a bonus system in the company but emphasizes that bonuses are paid only for achieving results. At the same Time, he ironically comments that although Ukraine lacks funds and the company receives assistance from partners, Honcharenko continues to receive a salary. Smilianskyi also points out that 'Honcharenko centers' are a tool for political PR.

These statements may indicate a conflict between Smilianskyi and Honcharenko, as well as possible political motives behind these accusations. Smilianskyi's response can be seen as an attempt to defend his reputation and stop the spread of false information. Since Honcharenko's accusations have not been substantiated by any evidence, it can be concluded that they may have a political nature. In any case, this situation shows that conflicts and political disagreements can influence the activities of state-owned enterprises and the development of the country as a whole.