Ukraine Appoints Acting Prosecutor General Amid Corruption Scandal

President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Anton Kovalsky, the chief prosecutor of Khmelnytsky Oblast, to serve as Ukraine’s acting prosecutor general. The decision was announced on September 17, following the recent dismissal of his predecessor, Ruslan Kravchenko, by the Ukrainian parliament. Kovalsky’s elevation to the top of the prosecution service comes at a sensitive moment for the country's anti-corruption efforts, raising questions about the future stability of the judicial branch.

According to reports from the Kyiv Independent, media outlets suggest that Kovalsky may be positioned for a permanent appointment rather than a temporary one. Prior to this, the outlet Ukrainska Pravda identified him as the leading candidate for the role. The transition follows a turbulent period marked by allegations of misconduct within the Prosecutor General's Office, which led to the abrupt end of Kravchenko's tenure.

Background on the Departure

Ruslan Kravchenko was removed from his position on September 15 after a major corruption scandal erupted. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau had searched his personal office in early September as part of an investigation into an alleged protection racket involving a scam call center. Evidence emerged suggesting that Kravchenko was implicated in these activities, prompting him to submit his resignation on September 7, though it was not formally accepted until the parliamentary vote.

The circumstances surrounding Kravchenko's exit have drawn significant scrutiny. According to the Kyiv Independent, he left Ukraine on September 14 under the guise of an official trip to a conference in Paris. However, organizers stated they had not expected his attendance, leading to suspicions that the journey was a pretext to avoid potential legal consequences. Simultaneously with his departure, he approved charges against the head of the anti-corruption agency investigating him, a move widely viewed as retaliatory.

Kovalsky's Professional Trajectory

Anton Kovalsky has been a member of the prosecution service since 2011. His career includes serving as the deputy chief prosecutor of Vinnytsia Oblast from 2020 to 2021, followed by his role as the chief prosecutor of Chernivtsi Oblast from 2021 to 2025. His appointment as acting prosecutor general marks the highest position in his career so far, placing him at the helm of a body that has faced intense public and political pressure.

Political Implications of the Change

The rapid succession of events, including the dismissal of the previous prosecutor general and the appointment of an acting successor, signals a significant shift in Ukraine's legal landscape. While Kovalsky is currently in an acting capacity, the possibility of a permanent appointment is gaining traction. Another candidate mentioned in media reports is Valeriy Prykhozhanov, chief prosecutor of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The resolution of this leadership question will be critical for maintaining confidence in the rule of law and the anti-corruption framework.