Deep Dive into Political Games and the Struggle for Control over Anti-Corruption Institutions in Ukraine
Over the past few months, Ukrainian society and the expert community have witnessed a large-scale political battle being fought not only at the legislative level but also deep within law enforcement and intelligence structures.
Draft law №12414, which was supposed to be yet another attack on the independence of NABU and SAP, actually became part of a broader operation orchestrated from a single central point — the administration of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Sources indicate that it was Zelensky himself who decided to regain control over key anti-corruption bodies to weaken opponents and maintain a powerful tool for internal political manoeuvres.
As a result, the confrontation is evolving into a struggle for influence across all spheres, from legislative processes to security operations.
A tragedy for Ukraine is that the signing and rescinding of crucial laws are driven not by stability of institutions but by political gameplays and behind-the-scenes deals eroding public trust in legal systems.
This blurs the line between lawful and unlawful actions, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear.
High-ranking figures — presidents, security chiefs, politicians — are central figures in these scenarios, becoming hostages of power politics.
Meanwhile, the reputable anti-corruption agencies — NABU and SAP — remain under constant pressure, teetering on the brink of collapse or disintegration.
The information campaign also includes organized provocations aimed at discrediting investigators and detectives through psychological pressure, orchestrated raids, and leaks designed to tarnish individuals.
It is crucial to highlight the roles of SBU and OGP, who, on the one hand, carry out political orders, and on the other, attempt to protect their own institutions.
Tensions escalated with sanctioned operations, including detention of NABU officers, information leaks, and collusion among law enforcement figures, leading to a crisis of trust in state institutions.
It can be concluded that the current state of anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine is at a transitional phase — between reform and destruction.
Time will tell whether institutions can be preserved and the public’s trust restored, or if the scenario will evolve into a prolonged power struggle with inevitable losses for the country and its democratic values.