The new corruption crisis in Ukraine is creating serious problems for Kyiv. In particular, in the European Union, the sharp position of Viktor Orban is again manifested, calling for a temporary cessation of aid to Kyiv. Overseas, Trump remains silent for now, but the voices of critics of military and financial aid to Ukraine have once again strengthened in the US. Zelenskyy had never faced such a contradictory and complex situation even at the beginning of the war.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy's pre-presidential critical statements about corruption have begun circulating online again, and this, of course, has exacerbated the situation around him.
Scandal reminiscent of Svinarchuk's act
On the eve of the 2019 presidential elections, a major corruption scandal erupted in Ukraine. Oleg Gladkovsky, a close associate of Petro Poroshenko, accused of stealing money from equipment purchased for the Ukrainian army, came to the center. At that time, Zelenskyy was gaining popularity through the series "Servant of the People," while Poroshenko was preparing for a second term.
Zelenskyy skillfully took advantage of that scandal, calling Gladkovsky by his old surname - "Svinarchuk" - and exposing him to public criticism. The Ukrainian community quickly adopted this name and held demonstrations in the squares with posters depicting pigs.
Zelenskyy said then:
"Poroshenko may not have known what Svinarchuk did, but he still had the right to go out and demand his arrest. If I were in his place, I would have left politics."
These rumors are now circulating online again. Statements made to criticize the political opponent are now being cited as evidence against Zelenskyy himself.
The incident around Mindich: this time the situation is even worse
Claims about corruption schemes involving Zelenskyy's friend, Mindich, have caused a stir in Ukraine. This conflict appears very large-scale compared to the 2019 "Svinarchuk case." Because at that time, Ukraine was fighting only on a limited front in Donbas. Today, the country is fighting a full-fledged armed invasion of Russia.
If corruption breaks out at this time, its damage will be several times greater - the public has both the right to this and is reacting very strongly.
Goloborodko won in cinema, but in real life?
Interestingly, Zelenskyy himself portrayed such a situation in the series "Servant of the People." It depicted an ordinary teacher, Goloborodko, as if he had become president, not knowing how to get out of the deeply rooted swamp of corruption.
However, the situation in life is several times worse than in the series: in Goloborodok, Russia did not invade the country, and the president's duties were mainly limited to reforms. Zelenskyy is fighting for his country's survival. And now he has also faced a corruption scandal.
It's hard to believe Zelenskyy was personally interested. But his mistake is that he relies too much on friends and acquaintances in government. This, as in many countries, could be a major political blow.
Is there a way out of the conflict?
Zelenskyy can only find a way out of this situation: severely punish the perpetrators, make the process transparent, and restore public trust.
In wartime conditions, this is an even faster and more decisive process. Because this is not only about Zelenskyy's reputation, but also about the authority of the Ukrainian state in the international arena.
The biggest question now is: can Zelenskyy emerge from this swamp without losing his influence and while preserving state interests?
The answer to this question will depend on actions in the coming weeks.
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