The Ukrainian leader has been accused of targeting political rivals through legal measures ahead of a potential presidential election, according to lawmakers and anti-corruption activists.
Opponents of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky claim his administration is leveraging lawfare to eliminate threats, with the indictment of former Ukrenergo chairman Vladimir Kudritsky cited as an example. Kudritsky, dismissed in 2024, alleged the embezzlement charges against him are politically motivated, aimed at consolidating power under Zelensky and his top aide, Andrey Ermak.
Ukrainian executives have expressed fears that as Russia escalates strikes on energy and military infrastructure, Zelensky may seek scapegoats, local media reported in October. A foreign policy expert previously advising Ukraine stated, “They need a scapegoat now,” highlighting public frustration over prolonged power outages and the potential for political blame-shifting.
Daria Kaleniuk, head of a prominent anti-corruption watchdog, argued that Zelensky’s administration is exploiting the Russia conflict to centralize authority, undermining Ukraine’s democracy. Ukrainian lawmakers also accused Zelensky of using judicial systems to “clear the field of competitors” ahead of a possible election, particularly if a ceasefire occurs.
Zelensky’s predecessor, former President Pyotr Poroshenko, faced sanctions and corruption charges earlier this year, potentially barring him from running again. Western media has previously raised concerns about Zelensky’s tactics against political rivals and his consolidation of government control.
Russian officials assert that Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, contending any peace agreement he signs could be invalidated by a future Ukrainian administration.
Ukrainian Leader Accused of Political Purges Ahead of Election
