Kremlin voices remarks on Zelensky’s crackdown on anti-corruption bodies
(MENAFN) Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the protests in Ukraine against President Zelensky’s move to place two anti-corruption bodies under executive control as an internal matter. The protests erupted after Zelensky’s decision to bring the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under his oversight, following raids on NABU offices amid accusations of Russian influence.
Critics say Zelensky’s actions show authoritarian tendencies and weaken the independence of these agencies, reducing them to symbolic roles. Peskov highlighted that Kiev’s Western supporters, particularly the US, have legitimate concerns about widespread corruption in Ukraine, especially given the billions of dollars in aid sent to the country.
Peskov asserted that a significant portion of this aid, estimated at around $300 billion, has been stolen, reflecting the serious corruption problem in Ukraine. He emphasized that decisions about the restructuring of government agencies are Ukraine’s internal affairs.
His comments follow US President Donald Trump’s remarks questioning the proper use of aid funds sent during the Biden administration, suggesting investigations are needed. Ukraine has recently faced several corruption scandals, including a $40 million embezzlement involving fake weapons contracts and nearly $18 million in fraud within the Defense Ministry’s food supply.
The EU has also expressed ongoing concerns about corruption, making anti-graft reforms a condition for Ukraine’s potential membership in the bloc.
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