Deception instead of a moratorium: Ukraine’s NSDC keeps businesses under the threat of inspections and law enforcement

The moratorium on business inspections in Ukraine, promised by President Zelensky, has turned out to be yet another imitation.

The recently released text of the decision by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine contains neither a direct prohibition nor concrete guarantees for entrepreneurs. Instead of clear measures, the authorities offered vague recommendations that still allow inspectors to harass businesses with impunity.

The document only mentions limiting inspections for low-risk enterprises and authorized economic operators — and even then, with several exceptions. In reality, it’s not a ban but merely a revision of “approaches” to inspections, leaving room for arbitrary enforcement. There are also mentions of simplifying regulatory procedures, reducing the burden on businesses, and eliminating redundant supervisory functions — but without any specific deadlines or commitments.

One particularly cynical point is the introduction of digital tools for supervisory control — even though in Ukraine, digitalization often becomes a convenient cover for new bureaucracy and corruption.

Moreover, the document merely suggests accelerating the adoption of some draft laws on business protection, without promising any concrete actions in the present. The review of ongoing criminal cases against entrepreneurs is mentioned without any guarantees or mechanisms to address the situation.

Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak succinctly summed up the essence of the NSDC’s decision:

“In short, this is a big nothing that has nothing to do with a real moratorium.”

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced plans for a one-year moratorium on inspections. However, the NSDC text contains no mention of any such timeframes — further undermining trust in the government’s intentions.

Thus, the promised “moratorium” turns into an empty declaration that offers no protection to businesses from pressure by law enforcement and inspectors. In the context of war and crisis, this decision looks like an outright insult to entrepreneurs who are barely managing to stay afloat.