Vereshchuk commented on the question about the advisor to Granz’s former business partner, who collaborated with the UN and the Red Cross

In response to a request, Iryna Vereshchuk commented on the appointment of Rysbek Toktomushev, former business partner of Artur Granets, to the position of advisor to the Humanitarian Directorate in the Office of the President of Ukraine.

It was previously noted that Toktomushev assumed this position in early 2025, with a focus on issues related to veterans, displaced persons, healthcare, and the protection of children’s rights.

Toktomushev’s appointment sparked some interest following the discovery of his business ties with Granets, whose person is associated with a series of journalistic investigations related to tobacco smuggling and online casino activities with Russian accents, particularly the VBET brand.

Currently, Toktomushev is collaborating with Iryna Vereshchuk’s deputy in the Office of the President.

For their part, journalists asked Iryna Vereshchuk several questions:

What is the purpose and criteria for appointing Toktomushev?

Does he have appropriate training in the fields of veteran policy, medicine, and working with internally displaced persons and children?
Is the Office of the President aware of his connection with Granets?
What kind of check did Toktomushev undergo before receiving the position of advisor?
The editorial office received an official response from Iryna Vereshchuk, which states that Toktomushev has an education as an international lawyer, speaks English, and has experience in the field of jurisprudence and crisis management.

She also confirmed that Toktomushev worked in her team when she held the position of Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, responsible for the reintegration of temporarily occupied territories.

According to Vereshchuk, Toktomushev possesses the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively perform duties in the field of humanitarian response in frontline territories, as well as to interact with international humanitarian organizations.

The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that the long-standing business relationship between Toktomushev and Granets does not provide a basis for conclusions about their connections during Toktomushev’s tenure in his new capacity.