Ukraine confronts potential transition into autocratic rule, warns anti-corruption advocate
In a recent development, Vitaliy Shabunin, a prominent anti-corruption activist in Ukraine, has called upon the West to take decisive action regarding the current political landscape in Kyiv. Shabunin's concerns stem from the consolidation of power around President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his close associates, a trend that has been evident since July 2025.
Ukraine operates under a hybrid presidential-parliamentary system, where the president's influence, backed by a loyal majority party, has grown significantly, especially during times of conflict. This shift has led to a diminished role for the Verkhovna Rada, the unicameral parliament, which holds legislative power. Yulia Svyrydenko has served as prime minister since this major government reshuffle, with Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, gaining significant influence.
Shabunin's criticism extends to the assessment of Western politicians on the state of reforms in Ukraine. He specifically took issue with the use of superlatives by Ursula von der Leyen. The activist's concerns are further fuelled by the controversial law passed in July 2025, which gives the prosecutor general control over formerly independent anti-corruption bodies (NABU and SAPO). This move has been widely criticised for undermining anti-corruption efforts and increasing presidential power over independent institutions.
The law preceded suspicious searches of anti-corruption offices and accusations of selective investigations, which some view as politically motivated. Despite President Zelenskyy's defence that these changes are necessary to remove Russian influence from these bodies, systemic corruption problems remain unresolved.
Shabunin's accusations against Zelenskyy are severe. He believes that not only does the President tolerate corruption, but he also protects it. The activist emphasises the importance of speaking openly with Zelenskyy to address these concerns. He fears that failure to do so could be interpreted as approval of the current course.
Shabunin's comments were published in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," adding weight to his claims. The activist also believes that Zelenskyy is interested in avoiding corruption scandals that could harm his future re-election prospects.
In summary, while Ukraine maintains its formal democratic institutions, the consolidation of power around the president and key loyalists, combined with recent legal changes weakening anti-corruption agencies, raise legitimate concerns about a trend toward centralized and potentially authoritarian governance, alongside ongoing corruption challenges. The West's response to these developments will be closely watched.
- Education-and-self-development: Vitaliy Shabunin, a prominent anti-corruption activist, calls upon the West to closely observe the political landscape in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address corruption concerns.
- General-news: The controversial law passed in July 2025 in Ukraine has given the prosecutor general control over formerly independent anti-corruption bodies (NABU and SAPO), a move that has been widely criticised for undermining anti-corruption efforts and increasing presidential power over independent institutions.
- Crime-and-justice: Shabunin's accusations against President Zelenskyy are severe, as he believes not only does Zelenskyy tolerate corruption but he also protects it, raising concerns about the potential normalization of corrupt practices in Ukraine.
