Zelenskyy argued that the radical move was needed to block Russian interference — and on Wednesday said he had “heard the public opinion” and promised to fix the situation with a new bill that he pledged would preserve the agencies’ independence.
But there is growing worry that Zelenskyy and his entourage might be using the authority granted him under martial law to concentrate power in a bid to keep the country fighting — in a way that raises fears over the country’s democratic credentials.
Svitlana Matviienko, executive director of the Agency for Legislative Initiatives, a Ukrainian NGO, warned that there is a “common pattern in the government’s abuse of power through violation of rules and procedure.”
In addition to this week’s legislation on anti-corruption agencies, the NGO pointed to last week’s Cabinet reshuffle as violating procedural rules, laws signed in violation of legislative deadlines, and cases like the prosecution of Vitaliy Shabunin, a Ukrainian army soldier and co-founder of Anti-Corruption Action Center, a top watchdog pushing for anti-corruption reform in Ukraine.
Shabunin is being charged with desertion and fraud. He insists his commander sent him to Kyiv to the national anti-corruption prevention commission to reform army procurement transparency, but the government says he’s being treated the same as any other soldier absent without leave.
“While persecuting me, the president’s office sends a message to all watchdogs, investigative journalists and Ukrainian servicemen that they can persecute anyone anywhere and at any moment,” Shabunin said.
