In a decisive move on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree naming Anton Kovalskyi, 42, as acting prosecutor general of Ukraine. The appointment follows Zelenskiy’s earlier removal of former prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko, a decision that was ratified by lawmakers in a vote on Tuesday.
Kovalskyi’s background
Kovalskyi has served since July 2025 as the head of the regional prosecutor’s office in the Khmelnytskyi region. His experience in regional prosecution is expected to bring stability to the national office during a period of intense anti‑corruption scrutiny.
Why Kravchenko was removed
Kravchenko stepped down after anti‑corruption bodies, including the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), alleged that a subordinate of his organized a scheme to conceal call‑centre fraud targeting Ukrainians and foreigners. While Kravchenko denied any personal involvement and has not been formally charged, the allegations prompted a swift parliamentary vote to confirm his dismissal.
Kravchenko’s counter‑claims
In a surprising turn on Monday, Kravchenko accused NABU chief Semen Kryvonos of falsifying documents and fabricating a 2009 child‑adoption case, suggesting the anti‑corruption probe was a retaliatory effort to halt investigations into the agencies themselves. Both NABU and SAPO have rejected these accusations, maintaining that their investigations are independent and evidence‑based.
Implications for Ukraine’s anti‑corruption fight
The appointment of Kovalskyi signals Zelenskiy’s commitment to maintaining momentum in Ukraine’s anti‑corruption campaign, a cornerstone of the country’s reform agenda and a key factor in securing continued international support. By placing a seasoned regional prosecutor at the helm, the administration aims to reinforce the rule of law while navigating the political turbulence generated by the recent allegations.
Observers note that the swift transition may help preserve public confidence in the prosecutor’s office, especially as Ukraine continues to confront external threats and internal reforms. The government’s handling of the situation will likely be watched closely by both domestic stakeholders and foreign partners invested in Ukraine’s democratic development.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
