Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Rustem Umerov, has formally denied allegations that he and his family own undeclared real estate in the United States. The statement from his office came in response to a report by a Kyiv-based anti-corruption organization that identified eight properties allegedly linked to his family.
Key Takeaways
- Rustem Umerov's office stated he and his family do not own and have never owned property in the U.S.
- The Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) alleged links to eight properties, including apartments and villas in Florida and New York.
- Umerov's official declaration lists one rented apartment in the U.S. for his wife and children.
- His press service has called the investigation "manipulative" and is preparing legal action.
Details of the Allegations
The controversy began after the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC), a watchdog group based in Kyiv, published an investigation on September 18, 2025. The report claimed to have uncovered connections between Umerov's family and a portfolio of eight properties located in the United States.
According to AntAC's findings, the real estate in question includes three apartments in Florida, one apartment in New York, and four villas situated near Miami. The organization asserted that the former defense minister and his relatives were registered at these addresses at various times.
Alleged Properties Breakdown
- Florida: 3 apartments
- New York: 1 apartment
- Miami Area: 4 villas
The core of AntAC's claim is the discrepancy between these findings and Umerov's official asset declarations. The watchdog pointed out that his public filings only mention a single apartment in the U.S., which is listed as being rented by his wife. She resides in the U.S. with their three children.
Umerov's Formal Rebuttal
In a swift response on September 19, Umerov's press service issued a statement to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Ukraine, forcefully rejecting the claims. The office described the AntAC investigation as "manipulative" and maintained that all assets subject to declaration have been properly disclosed.
"Rustem Umerov and his family do not own and have never owned any real estate in the U.S. There is no hidden property. All information subject to declaration has been disclosed in full compliance with legal requirements," the statement clarified.
The press service provided a detailed explanation for the properties with which the family has a connection. They confirmed the existence of the rented apartment, as stated in the official declaration, for his immediate family.
Additionally, they noted that Umerov's parents and brother live in two other properties mentioned in the report. However, the statement emphasized that these family members pay for their housing independently and that these arrangements do not constitute ownership by the security secretary.
Regarding the other properties listed by AntAC, the response was unequivocal. "The remaining properties mentioned in the publication have no connection — as of the reporting period — to the family, relatives, or Rustem Umerov himself," the press service stated.
Business History and Legal Action
Umerov's office also provided context regarding his family's financial activities in the United States, stressing that they predate his entry into politics.
Pre-Political Career
The statement highlighted that the family's business operations in the United States were established long before Rustem Umerov became a public figure. These activities were active well before his election as a member of parliament and his subsequent high-level government appointments.
This information was presented to counter any suggestion that his family's presence in the U.S. was connected to his political career or financed by illicit means. The timeline indicates that their financial footprint in the country was established prior to his public service.
As a result of what they term a misleading report, Umerov's team is now pursuing legal recourse. His press service confirmed that a legal team is actively preparing a lawsuit. The stated goal of the legal action is "to protect the right to the truth."
Umerov's Political Trajectory
Rustem Umerov is a prominent figure in Ukrainian politics, having held several key positions in recent years. His career has placed him at the center of national security and state asset management.
Between 2022 and 2023, he served as the head of Ukraine's State Property Fund, an agency responsible for managing state-owned enterprises and privatization efforts. Following this role, he was appointed Minister of Defense, a critical position during the ongoing conflict.
He held the defense portfolio until a major government reshuffle earlier in 2025. Following the cabinet changes, President Volodymyr Zelensky initially suggested Umerov was being considered for the post of ambassador to the United States. However, that appointment was ultimately given to another former cabinet member, Olha Stefanishyna, and Umerov was appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
