Prosecutor General Issues Charges Against NABU Director Semyon Kryvonos, Case Expected to Proceed to Trial

Will the case against the transparent NABU chief reach court, or will the charges simply be dismissed?

According to Radiotrek — Світ: On September 14, 2026, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko formally signed charges against Semyon Kryvonos, the head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). This development sparked debate over the possibility of the charges being dropped and ignited political controversy. Nevertheless, government representatives emphasize the importance of bringing the case to trial.

Kryvonos currently leads NABU and faces accusations in two separate criminal cases: one involving alleged fraudulent paternity and another concerning bribery demands amounting to $72,000. Despite these accusations, NABU has not officially notified Kryvonos of the charges. Rumors of potential dismissal of the case have raised concerns among the public and political figures alike.

Political Reactions

Politician Oleksiy Lyashenko voiced his stance, insisting that the charges should not be withdrawn. He stated:

'The case must be seen through to its logical conclusion.' Oleksiy Lyashenko

Lyashenko emphasized that if Kryvonos is guilty, it is the court’s responsibility to establish this and determine an appropriate sentence. He also highlighted the necessity of following due legal process, adding, 'If the evidence is insufficient, the legal procedure and the court should decide that.'

Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, who has since traveled to Paris, signed the charges, indicating there is sufficient basis and evidence to consider a criminal offense. However, Lyashenko noted:

'If the prosecutor made a mistake, Kravchenko must clarify where and why.' Oleksiy Lyashenko

The controversy surrounding Kryvonos’s charges and the possibility of their cancellation highlights the complex political landscape in Ukraine and underscores the need to uphold legal procedures. It is crucial for the case to proceed to court regardless of any changes within the prosecutor’s office. The outcome carries significance beyond Kryvonos himself, impacting public trust in the nation’s anti-corruption agencies.

It is important to remember that only Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada can remove Ruslan Kravchenko from his post, adding another layer of complexity to the evolving situation. These factors ensure Kryvonos’s case remains a focal point for both society and politicians, demanding close attention.

The developments in Kryvonos’s case underscore the critical role of procedural justice in Ukraine, especially within the field of anti-corruption efforts. The case’s resolution will influence not only Kryvonos’s personal accountability but also the broader confidence in the country’s anti-corruption institutions. Citizens are closely watching, hoping Ukraine’s judicial system will demonstrate its independence from political pressures.

The unfolding legal situation surrounding Semyon Kryvonos is further complicated by recent accusations from the suspended Prosecutor General, who claims that Kryvonos engaged in document forgery. This allegation adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of NABU's leadership. For a deeper understanding of the implications of these charges, read more about the forgery claims against Kryvonos and their potential impact on the case.