Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko Suspended by Presidential Decree
On September 14, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed decree No. 905/2026, officially suspending Ruslan Kravchenko from his role as Prosecutor General. This decision was made under Article 11, Part 2 of Ukraine’s Law on the Legal Regime of Martial Law, which allows such action without requiring a vote in the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament). Normally, dismissing the Prosecutor General demands parliamentary approval or a vote of no confidence.
Kravchenko submitted his resignation shortly after the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) launched the “Carthage” operation. This investigation exposed a criminal network within the Prosecutor General’s Office that was shielding fraudulent call center schemes. Authorities conducted searches in Kravchenko’s office and residence, though he was not formally charged.
Aftermath of the ‘Carthage’ Investigation
In a video address on the same day, Kravchenko demanded the dismissal of NABU Director Semen Kryvonos, a move widely seen as an attack on Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies. President Zelensky responded firmly:
“The only option for this Prosecutor General is removal from office. That’s exactly what I told him. The entire country has witnessed the reasons. If he considers this political pressure, then let him call it that.” - Volodymyr Zelensky
The “Carthage” operation has stirred significant public attention due to its focus on critical anti-corruption institutions. NABU and SAP confirmed that no official suspicion has been filed against Semen Kryvonos. Kravchenko’s removal underscores the government’s commitment to combating corruption and maintaining integrity within law enforcement agencies during a turbulent period in Ukraine.
This development sends a clear message to Ukrainian citizens about the authorities’ resolve to uphold anti-corruption reforms and strengthen institutional accountability. By suspending a high-ranking official like Kravchenko, the government demonstrates that no one is exempt from scrutiny. Meanwhile, Kravchenko’s call for Kryvonos’s dismissal highlights existing tensions between various anti-corruption bodies, reflecting challenges in coordination within Ukraine’s law enforcement landscape.
The recent developments surrounding Kravchenko's resignation amid political tensions further illustrate the ongoing struggle within Ukraine's legal system. The fallout from the "Carthage" operation has not only raised questions about internal corruption but also highlighted the delicate balance of power among key institutions in the country. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial to monitor the implications for Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts and governance.