From Chernyshov’s «karma» to accepting bulletproof vests «on call».
The edition «Ukrainska Pravda» published new fragments of audio recordings that are featured in the materials of the criminal case of NABU and SAPO within the operation «Midas». The recordings feature the alleged businessman and close friend of the president Tymur Mindich, former presidential adviser Serhiy Shefir, ex-minister of defence, now NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov and the curator of the construction of mansions in the «Dynasty» cooperative in Kozyn.
Also mentioned are President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself, former Minister of Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Chernyshov, ex-Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and a person named «Masha».
«Rat-like behavior» and Chernyshov’s karma
Mindich and Shefir discussed the situation around the ex-deputy prime minister Chernyshov, who received suspicion for abuse of office. According to the investigation, the official helped illegally allocate land in Kyiv for development at a significantly lower price than its real value. In return for such a «service», he received apartments for himself and his relatives from the developer at much lower prices.
During the conversation, the men were looking for ways to collect money for the multi-million bail for the official. At the same time, Mindich and Shefir criticized Chernyshov for participating «in such a petty scheme». According to them, Chernyshov «squeaked» this story because he did not share the profits with others. In Mindich’s opinion, it was «unfair», and the criminal case is «karma» for the situation with the apartments.
Mansions for «Vova and Andriy»
In another conversation, Mindich discussed with a woman named Nataliya construction in the «Dynasty» cooperative. Four mansions are mentioned there, which may be intended for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Oleksiy Chernyshov, and Mindich himself.
In particular, it was about purchasing facade stone, laying networks, as well as «conservation» of construction due to the threat of journalistic investigations and criminal cases. Mindich noted that «Andriy’s» house is almost ready, unlike his own.
Defence contracts and Fire Point
During a phone conversation in July 2025, Mindich with then-Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov mentioned the purchase of Fire Point products, bulletproof vests, and the possible appointment of Umerov as ambassador to the USA.
Regarding the company, it was about selling a 33% stake to foreign investors. The approximate deal amount was estimated at 600 million dollars, of which 300 million were to go to the company’s development, and another 300 million — as «cashout», i.e., payout to shareholders, among whom Mindich himself may be. Attracting foreigners he called a «parachute». Mindich said he fears that competitors could «bury» the company if the state stops payments under contracts. In his opinion, in a year Fire Point could cost twice as much. It was discussed that during the trip to the Middle East, Umerov had to confirm to investors that Fire Point is a «real company».
Mindich also complained that due to the situation with bulletproof vests, he would have a «minus 7 million». The friend of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he brought them with his own money, but they have been lying in the warehouse for 3 months because the state does not accept them. Mindich asked Umerov to order his subordinates to «just sign the acceptance» and added that it only takes «one call».
«Say: «I don’t want to hear from Tymur about bulletproof vests anymore, and I meet with him twice a week», — Mindich advised, to which Umerov affirmatively «uh-huh»ed.
Who is «Masha» on the «Mindich tapes»
As noted by «UP» journalist Mykhailo Tkach, Mindich and Umerov discussed some «Masha» who «added Defence City», and was going to the United Arab Emirates and receiving funding from them. The day before, information appeared that it was about volunteer Mariya Berlinska, who allegedly «sits on Mindich’s payroll» and has a «twenty» per month. According to Tkach, it is likely that instead of Berlinska, the advisor to the CEO of JSC «National Investment Fund of Ukraine» on strategic partnership development with Middle Eastern countries, Mariya Dotsenko, is mentioned.
Parties’ reaction
Rustem Umerov’s press service refused to «comment on text fragments whose authenticity has not been officially confirmed». They added that they do not make assumptions about specific people or circumstances mentioned in these materials.
Tymur Mindich himself in a comment stated that he is ready to give explanations after interrogation at NABU. He called the information about Fire Point an «attempt to discredit the best company in Ukraine».
