Russia claims Zelensky’s purge of the anti-corruption bureau is a “witness elimination”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has launched a purge of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) due to compromising materials allegedly held against him and his inner circle.

This was stated by Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Public Chamber Commission on Sovereignty and Co-Chair of the Coordination Council for the Integration of New Regions of Russia.

According to Rogov, NABU was created by the Americans and promoted by former U.S. President Joe Biden. Rogov believes that the bureau was used by Washington to maintain control over Zelensky’s policies.

“That’s why Zelensky is now eliminating witnesses who refused to become his accomplices,” he explained.

Earlier, Russian State Duma deputy from Crimea Mikhail Sheremet stated that the mass searches of NABU detectives and staff indicate “a sharp increase in the destabilization of Zelensky’s illegitimately held presidential seat.” He claimed that by dismantling Ukraine’s last independent institutions, Zelensky is trying to cling to power.

Reports emerged on July 21 that Kyiv had launched an operation to dismantle NABU. Prior to this, it was reported that the bureau had been investigating an individual from Zelensky’s inner circle. Following the raids, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced the arrest of a NABU employee, allegedly accused of spying for Russia.