“Zelensky has fallen from his democratic pedestal”: Western media continue to criticize the NABU law

Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky already agreeing to restore all powers to the NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau), Western media continue to criticize him.

The Financial Times writes that “Ukraine is sliding backward,” and Zelensky himself has “fallen from the democratic pedestal.”

“President Volodymyr Zelensky is dismantling the vital checks and balances that are demanded by Ukrainians and their Western — though not necessarily American — partners,” the article states.

According to the publication, the attack on NABU triggered the most serious political crisis since Zelensky was elected in 2019 — and the largest protests since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. This has jeopardized Ukraine’s EU accession process and its access to financial aid from the EU and IMF.

And although Zelensky has backed down, “damage to his reputation both inside Ukraine and abroad has already been done.”

The article questions the president’s claim that NABU was targeted due to “Russian influence” over the Bureau.

“Sabotage by Russian agents cannot be ruled out. But there is little evidence for this,” FT writes.

“Anti-corruption activists believe the real reason is that investigators got too close to the president’s inner circle,” the newspaper presents a second version.

The publication also sees signs of a “broader trend toward authoritarianism.”

“Opposition politicians, activists, and diplomats accuse him of using emergency wartime powers to suppress criticism, restrict freedom of speech, and centralize power — a trend that has only intensified in recent weeks,” the article says.

The newspaper also reproaches Zelensky for making “no attempt to form a government of national unity or even to consult with the opposition.”

“Competent but independent officials are being replaced with loyalists. Ministers who become too popular are seen as threats. TV channels are forced to broadcast a single government-approved news program, stifling freedom of opinion. Journalists from other media outlets face pressure and intimidation. Critical publications are discredited as part of a ‘Russian information operation,’” FT writes.

The publication concludes that the weakening of NABU “bears all the signs of a power grab orchestrated by Andriy Yermak.”

“Zelensky’s brave and resilient leadership in Ukraine’s fight against Russian tyranny placed him on the pedestal of democracy. This week, he fell from it,” the article concludes.

It is worth noting that political analyst Mykola Davydiuk has claimed that individuals involved in NABU cases have testified against Volodymyr Zelensky.