---
title: "Budanov: 'The Law Is the Same for Everyone' — Presidential Office Head Comments on 'Carthage' Arrests"
description: "Presidential Office Head Kyrylo Budanov stated that the law applies to everyone and positions cannot be a basis for avoiding responsibility. The statement followed arrests in the \"Carthage\" case, which affected SBU, police, and Prosecutor General's Office staff."
date: 2026-11-05T13:51:12.341Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/budanov-law-same-everyone-carthage
tags: [ukraine, corruption, nabu, sbu, budanov, rule-of-law, carthage-operation]
author: "Marina Slivenko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Budanov: 'The Law Is the Same for Everyone' — Presidential Office Head Comments on 'Carthage' Arrests

![Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov during an official appearance.](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/05/budanov-zakon-odna-dlya-vseh-karfan/budanov-zakon-odna-dlya-vseh-karfan-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Budanov stated that positions and authority cannot be a basis for avoiding responsibility for crimes
- As part of Operation 'Carthage', SBU General Serhiy Duka was detained, and two high-ranking security officials were dismissed
- NABU and SAP notified five members of a criminal organization involved in providing unlawful benefits to officials of suspicion

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov issued a public statement commenting on the high-profile arrests carried out as part of the anti-corruption operation "Carthage." According to him, there should be no escape from responsibility for crimes in Ukraine due to positions, ranks, or authorities. "The law is the same for everyone. Positions, ranks, and authorities cannot be a basis for avoiding responsibility," he emphasized, referring to the events that took place the day before.

### The Principle of Equality Before the Law

Budanov stated that corruption and other crimes should be given a proper legal assessment, and the perpetrators must be held accountable regardless of their position. "The situation requires timely, strong actions. We expect an objective, independent investigation and fair decisions. A strong rule-of-law state, where the law applies equally to everyone, is our common goal," the head of the Presidential Office concluded. His words came against the backdrop of a resonant case that affected the upper echelons of the country's security structures.

### Operation "Carthage": What the Investigation Found

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine released recordings of conversations related to the activities of a new criminal organization. According to the investigation, its members provided unlawful benefits to law enforcement officials. As investigators established, active representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the National Police, and the Office of the Prosecutor General were involved in the illegal scheme. As part of Operation "Carthage," NABU detectives detained General Serhiy Duka, who held the position of First Deputy Head of the Department for the Protection of National Statehood of the SBU.

### SBU Reaction and Further Investigative Steps

SBU Head Oleksandr Poklad dismissed two high-ranking officials of the special service mentioned in the NABU investigation under Operation "Carthage." Thus, the security structure took personnel measures against its employees who fell under the scrutiny of the investigation. On the same day, NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office notified five members of the criminal organization exposed during the operation of suspicion.

### Context: Anti-Corruption Fight in Security Structures

The "Carthage" case has become one of the most resonant anti-corruption investigations involving active high-level personnel of security agencies. Budanov's statement, made the day after the arrests, was interpreted as a signal that the country's leadership intends to ensure the full exposure of the case and bring all individuals involved to justice. At the same time, investigative bodies emphasize that all accusations are currently only an investigative version and will be verified in accordance with the law.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Буданов сделал заявление о громких задержаниях по делу "Карфаген"](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/budanov-zrobiv-zayavu-shchodo-guchnih-zatriman-1793886038.html) - The source contains direct quotes from Budanov, a description of Operation 'Carthage', the detention of General Duka, the dismissal of two SBU employees, and the notification of suspicion to five individuals. All facts are presented as official statements and agency actions.

## FAQ

### What exactly did Kyrylo Budanov state?

Budanov stated that the law is the same for everyone; positions, ranks, and authority cannot be grounds for avoiding responsibility. He expressed his expectation for an objective, independent investigation and fair decisions in the 'Carthage' case.

### What is Operation 'Carthage'?

This is a NABU anti-corruption operation that exposed members of a criminal organization passing unlawful benefits to law enforcement officials. Active representatives of the SBU, National Police, and the Prosecutor General's Office were involved in the scheme.

### Who was detained during the operation?

In particular, General Serhiy Duka, who held the position of First Deputy Head of the SBU's Department for the Protection of National Statehood, was detained. NABU and SAP notified five members of the organization of suspicion. Additionally, the SBU head dismissed two high-ranking officials.