Ukraine's Chief Prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko has resigned following allegations of corruption tied to illegal call centres. His resignation comes after Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators searched his offices, having identified a money-laundering scheme allegedly led by an official within Kravchenko's office.
In his resignation letter, Kravchenko stated he did not wish for his position to be utilized as a "tool for political confrontation." He had previously dismissed the claims as "unsubstantiated."
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) reported that the network operating under Kravchenko's purview received funds to protect call centres involved in phone scams and the laundering of millions of assets. These funds were reportedly used to purchase property, jewelry, and other valuables.
Despite the establishment of Nabu and Sap over a decade ago, corruption remains a significant challenge in Ukraine. In 2025, protests erupted when President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to implement reforms that would curtail the independence of these anti-corruption bodies. European partners expressed concern over the developments, with G7 ambassadors warning of potential impacts on Ukraine's integration into the European Union. Ukraine was granted EU candidate status on the condition it demonstrates a credible fight against corruption.
President Zelensky later reinstated the freedom of the anti-corruption bodies following public backlash, though questions have persisted regarding his commitment to anti-corruption reform. In a separate case last month, Nabu uncovered a scheme to misappropriate over $3 million to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering. A senior official in Zelensky's office, alleged to be involved, was dismissed.
Kravchenko, who thanked President Zelensky and the Ukrainian parliament for their trust in his resignation letter, has publicly denied any wrongdoing. President Zelensky has not yet publicly commented on the resignation.