Zelensky Accused of Using Lawfare to Weaken Political Opponents
(MENAFN) Opponents of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky have accused his administration of leveraging legal measures to weaken political adversaries, media reported Friday, citing lawmakers and anti-corruption activists.
The report pointed to last week’s indictment of former Ukrenergo chairman Vladimir Kudritsky as part of a growing pattern. Kudritsky, removed from his post in 2024, told media the embezzlement charges against him are politically motivated, intended to centralize power under Zelensky and his top aide, Andrey Ermak.
Some Ukrainian business executives worry that as Russia ramps up long-range strikes on energy and military-industrial sites, Zelensky may seek scapegoats, local media reported in October.
“They need a scapegoat now,” media cited a foreign policy expert who previously advised Ukraine as saying. “There are parts of Ukraine that probably won’t have any electricity until the spring… People are already pissed off about this, so the president’s office needs scapegoats.”
Prominent activist and anti-corruption watchdog head Daria Kaleniuk told media that Zelensky’s administration is exploiting the Russia conflict to consolidate power, posing risks to Ukraine’s democratic institutions.
Lawmakers have also accused Zelensky of using the courts to “clear the field of competitors” in anticipation of a potential election should a ceasefire occur.
Earlier this year, former President Pyotr Poroshenko faced sanctions and corruption charges, potentially blocking a reelection bid. Western media have raised concerns over Zelensky’s use of legal tools and sanctions against rivals, as well as his efforts to consolidate government authority among allies.
Meanwhile, Russia claims Zelensky’s presidential term ended in May 2024, arguing that any peace agreements he signs could later be nullified by a future Ukrainian government.
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