MP Zheleznyak accuses Zelenskyy of blocking law enforcement reforms after Carthage — NV interview

Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a lawmaker from the Ukrainian parliament's Holos (Voice) faction and first deputy chair of the Finance, Tax and Customs Policy Committee, recently spoke with Radio NV about the necessary legislation to reform Ukraine's law enforcement system in light of the Carthage case. He explained that the second part of the Carthage investigation implicates various organizations, including the National Police, the SBU's Department for the Protection of National Statehood, and others.

Zheleznyak asked whether acknowledging the law enforcement system as beyond repair and starting from scratch is necessary.

He began by highlighting that not all parts of the law enforcement system are damaged. NABU and SAPO have demonstrated the extent of the corruption, which he described as merely the tip of the iceberg. Next, he pointed out that, during the eighth year of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's rule, those in power have made no effort to change the system.

Zheleznyak emphasized that the SBU needs a permanent chief, its investigative powers should be removed to allow focus on protecting the country, and there is already a bill to reform the SBI that has been blocked by President Zelenskyy.

He also mentioned that the Prosecutor General's Office needs a competitive selection process and a process to clean up the prosecution service. Zheleznyak stated that similar steps have been taken in other countries and that European partners are willing to provide $22 billion to implement these changes. The funds would be used to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure and bring the country closer to joining the European Union.

However, Zheleznyak believes the lack of political will from President Zelenskyy and his team is preventing the bills from being passed. He noted that society is more focused on survival during wartime, which limits their ability to influence those in power through democratic means.