A leading Ukrainian anti-corruption activist is raising concerns about a potential shift in the nation’s governance, describing a trajectory towards a hybrid state model. Vitalij Shabunin, speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, characterized the current situation as “still democratic, but with signs of kleptocracy and authoritarianism.
Shabunin himself is currently facing legal proceedings he believes are politically motivated. He alleges that President Zelenskyy’s administration seeks to silence critical voices within both civil society organizations and the military, rendering him a key target. He stated his service within the armed forces further positions him as a focus of such pressure.
His critique extends to the government’s approach to anti-corruption bodies, accusing the administration of not only tolerating but actively protecting corruption. Shabunin asserted that President Zelenskyy appears willing to shield individuals within his circle from scrutiny, seemingly prioritizing the prevention of future scandals that could impact his potential reelection prospects.
Shabunin is urging Western nations to adopt a more assertive stance regarding developments in Kyiv. He emphasized the importance of direct and frank conversations with President Zelenskyy, warning that a failure to do so could be interpreted as tacit approval of the observed trends. He also criticized the tendency to portray the success of Ukrainian reforms in overly positive terms, referencing statements made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a recent Ukraine reconstruction conference.