A recent series of high-profile resignations and investigations driven by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is intensifying pressure on the country’s political elite amid ongoing concerns about corruption and governance. The bureau, established in 2015 as part of Ukraine’s efforts to combat systemic graft, has become a formidable force in probing allegations against senior officials close to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The latest development came on Monday when Ruslan Kravchenko, Ukraine’s top prosecutor, stepped down following the release of a 35-minute video implicating an official from his office in protecting a call center network accused of defrauding European citizens. The video, distributed by NABU, attracted widespread media attention and neared one million views. This episode follows a pattern of NABU’s recent actions, including earlier leaks that led to the resignation of a senior Zelenskyy adviser.
Since its inception, NABU has investigated more than 60 parliament members and forced out several key government figures. In the past year alone, the bureau’s work has resulted in the dismissal of two cabinet ministers, the identification of a former business associate of Zelenskyy, and the departure of the president’s long-time right-hand man. All those implicated, including Kravchenko, have denied any wrongdoing.
NABU’s ascent has been notable given its modest beginnings. Created by then-President Petro Poroshenko following the 2014 pro-democracy revolution, the agency initially faced limited resources and operated out of a remote facility that once housed a Soviet submarine detection institute. Early operations focused largely on past corruption cases, but by the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, NABU had developed the capability to target ongoing illicit activities, according to Oleksandr Abakumov, head of one of its detective units.
The war has intensified the bureau’s mandate, as corruption in procurement and logistics directly affects Ukraine’s defense and civilian supplies. NABU has investigated kickback schemes involving inflated prices for items ranging from food and housing to military equipment such as drones and tank armor. These probes have targeted individuals within Zelenskyy’s inner circle, even as efforts to curtail the bureau’s independence have emerged.
Last year, Zelenskyy’s office attempted to pass legislation that would have weakened NABU’s autonomy, sparking significant protests domestically and diplomatic pressure from Western allies. The bill was ultimately withdrawn, which analysts say strengthened the bureau’s standing.
In November, NABU published a detailed video exposing alleged corruption in contracts related to fortifying energy infrastructure against Russian attacks. The revelations contributed to the firing of Ukraine’s energy and justice ministers, with the latter arrested while attempting to leave the country; both denied charges. Shortly thereafter, NABU searched the Kyiv home of Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and closest ally. Yermak resigned amid the investigation into an $8.9 million money laundering scheme linked to luxury real estate construction. He denies all allegations but remains a suspect under bail with electronic monitoring.
Despite its successes, NABU faces considerable institutional resistance. Rival law enforcement entities, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), have initiated inquiries against NABU employees on what human rights groups describe as politically motivated grounds. Critics in parliament accuse the bureau of overreach and politicization. NABU director Semen Kryvonos rejects these claims, asserting that Ukraine does not need to choose between prosecuting corruption and winning the ongoing war, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining an independent anti-corruption system during crisis.