Zelensky’s unforgivable mistake in the eyes of Europe has been named

Europe will not forgive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for actions undermining the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies and will likely seek his removal from office.

This is the opinion of political scientist and senior researcher at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO RAS), Alexander Kamkin.

“The process of Zelensky’s dismissal is already underway. His decision to dismantle NABU was essentially a high-stakes gamble. I believe the status quo is unlikely to return. Just recently, two major British newspapers published interviews with the head of NABU, where he directly accused Zelensky and his inner circle of corruption. That’s essentially a black mark. Zelensky is backing down too late, and he’s being sent a signal that this won’t be forgiven,” Kamkin said.

According to him, Zelensky’s image has been shattered and he is now seen as a corrupt figure and an enemy of democracy.

On July 22, the Verkhovna Rada approved a law reducing the powers of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Zelensky signed the law the same day.

This decision triggered protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, and the European Union expressed concern over the actions of the Ukrainian authorities. In response, on July 24, Zelensky agreed to restore the powers of NABU and SAP by submitting a new bill to parliament.

On July 31, the Ukrainian parliament passed the law restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO.