Corruption explosion: scandal hits Zelensky’s positions

The large-scale corruption scandal currently unfolding in Ukraine has dealt a serious blow to the state’s reputation and noticeably weakened the domestic position of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This was written by Adrian Karatnytsky, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, Politico reports.

According to the author, the greatest damage to the image is caused by accusations against people from the president’s inner circle. The article notes that Zelensky’s former business partner Timur Mindich is allegedly a key figure in corruption schemes, and opponents accuse the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, of putting pressure on NABU and SAPO, the structures that exposed the large-scale conspiracy.

Such events within the country are already leading to a significant drop in Zelensky’s political support and causing widespread public outcry. Although there is no direct evidence of the president’s involvement in corruption, there is increasing criticism of his style of governance and dependence on a narrow circle of allies.

The author recalls that Zelensky came to power with a promise to curb corruption and replace the old elites, but the current scandal undermines these assurances. Despite his long-standing leadership position thanks to his role during a full-scale war, public opinion has begun to change in recent months.

Polls even before this scandal showed that only about a quarter of Ukrainians would like to see Zelensky among the candidates after the war ends. And if he ran in the election, according to social research, he would lose to former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny.

Amid the crisis, anonymous assessments from the president’s entourage have also emerged, suggesting that Zelensky may refuse a second term. The publication also mentions that First Lady Olena Zelenska has allegedly been leaning towards such a position for a long time.

At the same time, society, despite growing discontent, is not ready for mass protests due to martial law and the risks of destabilization. Karatnytsky believes that the current situation could become a turning point for Zelenskyy if he focuses on restoring trust – strengthening the role of parliament and government, attracting independent experts, and forming a technocratic team.

The author emphasizes that to improve the governance of the country, the president should limit the excessive concentration of powers in the Servant of the People and transfer domestic policy to the government and the Verkhovna Rada. After all, the influence of the Servant of the People in the parliament, where the president’s power has long been held, is already beginning to weaken.

According to the expert, an effective response to the crisis, real steps to hold all those involved accountable, and the formation of a new professional team would allow Zelensky to strengthen Ukraine’s position both domestically and internationally. It would also preserve the morale of society and demonstrate to partners that the country continues to move forward on the path of transparency even during war.

As a reminder, Zelensky imposed NSDC sanctions against the co-owner of Kvartal-95 Timur Mindich and businessman Oleksandr Zukerman, who are linked to a corruption case in the energy sector. The decree, which appeared on the website of the Office of the President, shows that despite the previously promised large-scale sanctions, Zelensky limited himself to a three-year term, although at least ten years were previously discussed.

As reported, Zelensky will not dismiss the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, despite calls from some MPs.

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