Ukraine's chief prosecutor, Ruslan Kravchenko, has resigned following corruption allegations tied to illegal call centres. Investigators claim his office was involved in a money-laundering scheme.
In his resignation letter, he denied the claims, stating he did not want his office to be used as a tool in political confrontation. The allegations come after anti-corruption investigators searched his offices over the weekend and identified a money-laundering scheme involving an official in his office. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap), the scheme involved receiving money to protect call centres engaged in phone scams and laundering millions in assets. The funds were reportedly used to purchase property, jewellery, and other valuables.
Corruption has remained a persistent issue in Ukraine, with past scandals involving members of President Volodymyr Zelensky's inner circle. Despite the creation of Nabu and Sap over a decade ago, corruption continues to be a significant challenge. In 2025, nationwide protests erupted after Zelensky attempted to implement reforms that would curtail the independence of these institutions. Kyiv's European partners expressed concern, with G7 ambassadors warning that such reforms could jeopardise Ukraine's EU integration. Zelensky later reinstated the independence of Nabu and Sap following backlash, but questions about his commitment to anti-corruption reform have persisted. Last month, Nabu uncovered a scheme to misappropriate over $3m in Ukrainian currency to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering, leading to the sacking of a senior Zelensky office official.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights ongoing challenges in Ukraine's fight against corruption, affecting its credibility with European partners.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Zelensky's public response to the resignation and any further actions on anti-corruption reforms.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.