Zelenskyy’s Politics of Maneuvering Spark Controversy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent political maneuvers have ignited renewed partisan conflict, stemming from his ill-fated attempt this past summer to undermine the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies amid increasing investigations into his office. This move, which was ultimately abandoned under pressure from both domestic and international sources, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, reports 24brussels.
The effort to curtail investigations into close allies of the president is now interpreted as part of a broader campaign by Zelenskyy’s administration to secure electoral advantages by disarming potential challengers. Legal experts and former officials assert that the atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the political landscape has significantly escalated in recent months.
“After what happened in July with the anti-corruption bodies, politics in Ukraine is back,” noted a former Ukrainian minister who requested anonymity due to fears of retribution. “It’s impossible to hide it.” He detailed how the executive branch is leveraging lawfare to suppress dissent and silence critics.
Another former minister corroborated these claims, highlighting the administration’s aggressive tactics aimed at undermining political rivals. “Essentially, the tactic is that ‘you say something against us, we open up criminal proceedings against you and sanction you,’” he stated on condition of anonymity to express his opinion freely. “They’re essentially blackmailing all their potential opponents or perceived opponents.”
Allegations of lawfare have been a recurring theme since Zelenskyy’s rise to power. Following his election in 2019, over 20 criminal cases, including charges of high treason, were brought against his predecessor, Petro Poroshenko. Most recently, in February, Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on Poroshenko, effectively freezing his assets and restricting his financial activities. This move has spurred allegations of a politically motivated campaign against him and has further exacerbated tensions in Ukrainian political circles.
