A prominent Ukrainian anti-corruption activist is raising concerns about a potential shift in the nation’s governance, suggesting a trajectory towards a hybrid state model. Vitalij Shabunin, speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, characterized the evolving system as retaining democratic elements while exhibiting signs of both kleptocracy and authoritarianism.
Shabunin himself is currently facing legal proceedings which he believes are politically motivated. He suggests that the actions by the government are aimed at silencing two key groups: civil society organizations and the military, with him being, in his words, an “ideal target” due to his involvement in both the civilian and military sectors.
The activist leveled criticism at the Ukrainian government’s handling of anti-corruption bodies. Shabunin asserts that the government isn’t simply tolerating corruption, but actively protecting it, with the president allegedly shielding individuals within his circle from scrutiny. He posits that the primary motivation appears to be preventing future corruption scandals from jeopardizing a potential re-election bid.
Shabunin is urging Western nations to adopt a more proactive stance and engage in candid discussions with President Zelenskyy regarding these developments in Kyiv. He warns that failure to do so could be interpreted as tacit approval of the observed trends. He also challenged the tendency to overly laud the progress of reforms in Ukraine, citing the recent characterization made by Ursula von der Leyen at a Ukraine reconstruction conference as an example of an unrealistic portrayal.
