KIEV — Anton Smyrnov, the president of the private «University of Medicine and Social Sciences,» is under scrutiny following allegations that he bypassed the terms of his state-sanctioned travel permit. Armed with an official travel waiver for a one-month academic partnership in Poland, Smyrnov reportedly diverted his route to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sources within the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) of Ukraine have confirmed that no academic or travel reports have been submitted regarding his trip, sparking discussions on the enforcement of martial law travel restrictions for academic staff.
According to official documents retrieved from the electronic registry of the Ministry of Education and Science, the University of Medicine and Social Sciences petitioned the ministry on May 12, 2026 (Letter No. 140), requesting border crossing assistance for its president.
The officially declared purpose of the travel was Smyrnov’s participation in an international professional development program titled: «Application of EU Standards in the Management System of Higher Educational Establishments.»
The training was scheduled to take place in Chorzów, Poland, hosted by the «ZAK» Post-Secondary School of Medical Care. The approved travel window—including transit—was set from May 26 to June 26, 2026.
To secure clearance for crossing the Ukrainian border during martial law, the institution filed a comprehensive compliance file on behalf of Smyrnov. The documentation included:
An official invitation from the Polish host institution along with a notarized translation;
An official business trip order issued by the university;
Proof of primary employment at the institution;
A signed personal pledge by Smyrnov, legally binding him to return to Ukraine within the designated timeframe and to adhere to all national regulations governing international academic deployments.
Following a review of these credentials, the Ministry of Education forwarded an appeal to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS), requesting they facilitate Smyrnov’s departure.
Despite the approved travel period concluding several weeks ago, the Ministry of Education and Science has yet to receive any mandatory academic outputs from the trip.
«No reports, supporting documentation, certificates, or alternative verification materials confirming that Smyrnov fulfilled his stated academic mission in Poland have been submitted to the Ministry,» sources familiar with the matter reported.
The Ministry of Education and Science noted that while it reviews academic credentials for travel requests, it does not hold law enforcement or border control mandates. Consequently, the ministry does not possess data on whether Smyrnov legally re-entered Ukraine.
With investigative watchdogs pointing to evidence of Smyrnov traveling to the UAE instead of attending the Polish seminar, the case has been referred to border security and law enforcement agencies to determine if a breach of state travel regulations occurred.