The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine unanimously supported the candidacy of Ruslan Kravchenko for the position of Prosecutor General of the country, allowing President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign the relevant decree
This was a significant step in the context of further reforming judicial and law enforcement agencies, as after approval, the parliamentarians officially delegated the responsible authority to the new head of the prosecutor’s office. The decision was made on June 17 in the parliamentary hall, where 273 members of parliament from various factions voted in favor of Kravchenko’s candidacy. Among them, the largest support came from the “Servant of the People” faction, which provided 190 votes, effectively aligning with the political stance of the majority. Other parliamentary associations, including “Batkivshchyna,” “Holos,” as well as several other factions and groups, and independent MPs expressed their support, forming broad consensus in the chamber. Following the approval of the procedure, now the president is tasked with signing the official decree of appointment for Ruslan Kravchenko, after which he will officially commence his duties as the head of the Office of the Prosecutor General. The new prosecutor, 35-year-old native of Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk region, previously held the most responsible positions in state law enforcement agencies and authorities, including heading the Kyiv Regional Military Administration (from 2023 to 2024), and prior to that, leading the Bucha District Prosecutor’s Office since 2021. Kravchenko has extensive experience working within the justice and law enforcement systems, including serving as a military prosecutor during Anatoliy Matiyash’s tenure. His career includes attempts to obtain positions at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. He is also known for his participation in the criminal proceedings against former President Viktor Yanukovych: he was the prosecutor and participant in that process, which resulted in the former leader being convicted of treason and aiding aggression against Ukraine. Ruslan Kravchenko was awarded the Order of “For Merit” III class in August 2022, reflecting his professionalism and contribution to the state. Prior to his appointment to the Prosecutor General’s Office, his candidacy was also considered in the context of a competition for the head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, as well as during discussions related to his real estate, savings, and political background of his relatives—standard procedures during candidate vetting for this high-level position. The background of the procedure was initiated by Volodymyr Zelensky, who on June 16 submitted a request to the parliament for Kravchenko’s appointment. This was a significant step, as since October 2023, when parliamentarians voted to dismiss the previous Prosecutor General, Andriy Kostin, no new candidates had been proposed. During this period, the duties of acting prosecutor were carried out by his first deputy, Oleksiy Khomenko. After thorough discussions and approvals in parliamentary committees, on the morning of June 17, the “Servant of the People” faction unanimously supported Kravchenko’s candidacy, ensuring a swift approval process and further appointment. According to procedure, this decision was also supported by members of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement Activities, creating the conditions for rapid approval at the highest level. Now, with the signature in hand from the president, Ruslan Kravchenko will officially assume the position of head of the Office of the Prosecutor General, marking a new chapter in Ukraine’s judicial system. His appointment has elicited a range of reactions—from hopes for continued prosecutorial reforms to critical remarks regarding his historical and political background. According to official data, his role in the fight against corruption, intensive investigations, and high-profile cases, including those involving former officials and ex-president, places him under close scrutiny by the public and experts. Overall, the parliamentary decision to appoint Kravchenko signifies the beginning of a new stage in reforming Ukraine’s law enforcement system, which still faces challenges posed by war, corruption, and political pressure. Much now depends on his skill, perseverance, and independence in ensuring justice and transparency in the country.