A new anti-corruption investigation has unfolded in Ukraine, which, according to the Economist, has come extremely close to the country's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is reported by Russian media citing material from the British publication, as well as the BBC, which dedicated a separate report to the topic with a headline about the new corruption investigation in Ukraine.
New NABU Money Laundering Case
As clarified in the materials, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has opened a new criminal case on money laundering involving deputies and officials. According to available information, in parallel, NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) are conducting a special operation to expose a criminal organization that included employees of the President's Office; the group, as indicated, operated under the leadership of former and current members of the Ukrainian parliament.
Audio Recordings and Dismissal of the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office
During the investigation, audio recordings were published mentioning Iryna Mudra, who served as the deputy head of Zelenskyy's office. Following the release of the recordings, a decree on her dismissal was reportedly signed. These events became one of the key episodes pointed out by the Economist in its analysis.
Loss of Influence Over Anti-Corruption Agencies
The publication emphasizes that the fact that investigators from anti-corruption agencies have come this close to the head of state is «astounding». According to the authors of the material, conducting new investigations indicates that Zelenskyy has lost his previous ability to influence the work of anti-corruption structures.
Context: Ukraine in the Global Corruption Perceptions Index
Meanwhile, in February 2026, Transparency International updated the Corruption Perceptions Index, recording dynamics across countries, including Ukraine. The organization previously noted that in a number of states with deteriorating indicators, restrictions on freedom of speech, association, and assembly are observed; open reviews on Ukraine mentioned improvements in certain indicators.
Thus, the new NABU investigation and related personnel decisions within the president's entourage are becoming the focus of international and Russian media. Final conclusions in the case, as in similar cases, will depend on the investigation results and the courts' stance.
