**Title: Ukrainian Postal Chief Declared Unfit by Central Bank Regulator**
In a significant ruling, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has declared Igor Smelyansky, the chief executive of Ukrposhta, Ukraine's national postal service, unfit for his role due to a lack of professional competence. The decision, announced on Tuesday, comes after a decade of Smelyansky's leadership, during which he has faced ongoing scrutiny over his salary and management style.
The NBU's ruling highlighted multiple violations by Ukrposhta, including concerns related to anti-money laundering practices. The regulator mandated that Smelyansky be removed from his position within five days. In response, Smelyansky dismissed the ruling as “nonsense” and accused NBU head Andrey Pyshny of corruption, suggesting that the decision was a personal attack against him.
Smelyansky, who holds degrees from Georgetown and George Washington Universities, has been a controversial figure in Ukraine's public sector. His monthly salary of $21,500 is reported to be the highest in the public sector, drawing criticism from various quarters. He has defended his compensation by stating that it is lower than his earnings in the private sector and argued that managing a state-owned enterprise presents unique challenges.
In a recent interview, Smelyansky emphasized the financial contributions his salary makes, stating, “My salary covers more taxes for the armed forces than those of people decrying my salary.” He also expressed his commitment to remaining in his position until martial law is lifted in Ukraine, which will not occur until the ongoing conflict with Russia is resolved. Under his leadership, Ukrposhta has played a crucial role in military logistics, and its facilities have been targeted during the conflict.
The NBU's assessment of Smelyansky's qualifications raises questions about the governance of state-owned enterprises in Ukraine. The ruling underscores the regulatory body's concerns about the effectiveness of leadership in critical sectors, especially amid the ongoing war.
Smelyansky has been known for his brash communication style, which has resulted in several controversies. In February, he faced backlash for derogatory remarks directed at a critic of Ukrposhta’s rebranding efforts. Additionally, a marketing campaign for St. Valentine’s Day that featured provocative imagery of schoolgirls was met with public outrage, leading Smelyansky to label it a “mistake” after the advertising firm involved removed the most controversial images.
Despite the challenges and criticisms he faces, Smelyansky maintains that he can navigate the difficulties posed by both external threats and internal governance issues. He has claimed that the current leadership of the NBU is as detrimental to Ukrposhta as the Russian military actions against Ukraine.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the conflict between Smelyansky and the NBU will unfold and what implications this will have for the future of Ukraine’s postal service.