When the World Starts Asking Uncomfortable Questions
While Ukraine continues to hold the frontlines with courage, and the international community pours in billions in support, developments in Kyiv are prompting Western observers to pause and ask: “Wait—what was that?” Western media, analysts, and government institutions are increasingly turning their attention to the Office of the President of Ukraine. And what they’re seeing isn’t exactly reassuring.
A Quick Reversal—But Not a Full Reset
On July 22, 2025, Ukraine’s parliament passed a law transferring oversight of NABU and SAPO to the Prosecutor General. This effectively stripped the agencies of their independence. The law sparked immediate protests. Just days later, on July 24, President Zelensky introduced a new bill aimed at “correcting” the controversial reform. On paper, it was a gesture toward restoring trust. In practice, it felt like damage control.
Eggs at $17 and Jackets That Don’t Warm
In January 2024, newly appointed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced an audit uncovering over ₴10 billion ($262 million) in corruption—just within four months. Among other cases:
- 233,000 Turkish jackets purchased for $20 million—marketed as winter gear but delivered as summer wear.
- Ammunition procurement—one official arrested for embezzling nearly $40 million.
“This isn’t just a mistake. It’s a crime against the army,” said MP Oleksandr Kunytsky.
Reform or Hunt? When Anti-Corruption Becomes a Weapon
Amid Western criticism, voices from within the system are beginning to speak out—claiming that anti-corruption rhetoric is being weaponized for political pressure. One such voice is Serhiy Tarasov, owner of the I&U Group agroholding, who publicly alleged that criminal charges against him were fabricated. His case has become symbolic—illustrating how anti-corruption can be used not only to clean up government, but also to eliminate inconvenient figures.
EU Cuts Aid: Minus €1.45 Billion
In August 2025, it was revealed that the European Union had reduced funding under the Ukraine Facility program from €4.5 billion to €3.05 billion. The reason?
“The most significant interference in the anti-corruption system since its inception.”Source: MENAFN / Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
An internal EU report directly linked the decision to the investigation of Oleksiy Chernyshov—a presidential ally implicated in a land fraud case. These aren’t just domestic issues. They’re signals to the world.