Karandieiev Rostyslav Volodymyrovych

Acting Minister of Culture 2023–2024 – suspicion for escorting 8 draft dodgers abroad

Rostyslav Karandieiev is a former Kyiv City Council deputy, served 8 years as Deputy Minister of Culture, and from July 2023 to September 2024 was Acting Minister. After resignation, he became the Artistic Director of the Dnipro Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

"Musicians" denied at the border — and a repeated letter signed by the minister

On June 20, 2026, Karandieiev was notified of suspicion under Part 2 Article 332 of the Criminal Code — facilitation of illegal crossing of persons across the state border. The scheme: eight draft-age men were registered as "members of a musical group" to travel abroad for allegedly charity concerts in Spain. Border guards initially denied their crossing. After the refusal, Karandieiev signed a repeated letter — and the men departed. None of them had any relation to music. Karandieiev himself confirmed the suspicion: "And one such departure was carried out by a letter signed by me, and the people did not return." He considers the suspicion groundless.

Drunk driving, undeclared car and "NACP said it’s not critical"

In March 2015, while Deputy Minister, Karandieiev drove under the influence — was deprived of license for a year. He does not remember details: "Well, it just happened then." When asked if he drove without a license — he initially said "yes" then refused to answer. He drove an undeclared car — a gift from his father-in-law for the wedding. His justification: "I asked the NACP whether to declare or not, they told me it was not critical."