Ukraine’s anti-graft agencies search central bank governor’s office

Ukrainian anti-graft agencies NABU and SAP are currently conducting investigations at the headquarters of the National Bank of Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach on October 21. Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak has confirmed that these searches are indeed taking place within the governor's office. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in August that he would not seek to replace the central bank governor, affirming the bank's independence and Pyshnyi's ongoing role as its governor.

Despite this, Zelenskyy claimed he had previously intervened to mediate disputes between the bank and government agencies, though he emphasized his reluctance to interfere in such matters amidst ongoing information campaigns regarding potential leadership changes.

Figures linked to the Midas case have revealed details about the composition of the supervisory board of Ukrainian Sense Bank prior to its nationalization in June 2025. Conversations between Oleksandr Tsukerman and Vasyl Veselyi, who later became an adviser to Sense Bank's head following its takeover, were recorded. Veselyi, who had no prior background in banking, was reportedly placed under the "observer" status by the presidential office and was required to have a say in all decisions.

However, Veselyi denied any affiliation with the presidential office when confronted by journalists. Pyshnyi also denied recommending Veselyi's appointment to the supervisory board of the state-owned bank, asserting that he neither introduced him nor instructed supervisory board members, nor did he exert any pressure on the board or its chair.