{
  "id": 8273965,
  "title": "Ukraine needs a prosecutor general chosen for merit, not loyalty",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/ukraine-needs-a-prosecutor-general-chosen-for-merit-not-loyalty",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T16:55:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Independent",
    "slug": "kyiv-independent",
    "url": "https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-needs-a-prosecutor-general-chosen-for-merit-not-loyalty/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukraine faces a critical decision regarding the selection of a new Prosecutor General. The recent events surrounding the alleged escape of former Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have highlighted the urgent need for a merit-based system. In response to the Carthage anti-corruption operation, a draft law was proposed to introduce open competition for the position, preceding any political appointment. This change comes in the aftermath of the investigation by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, which exposed alleged criminal activities within the Prosecutor General's Office. Kravchenko resigned under suspicious circumstances and subsequently fled the country, with his dismissal ordered by Parliament. The public's trust in the prosecution service has plummeted, with only 26% of Ukrainians expressing confidence in the institution. A nationwide survey showed that 56% of respondents would trust a new Prosecutor General more if the appointment followed an open competition involving independent international experts. The draft law aims to create a transparent and merit-based selection process, ensuring that only qualified individuals can hold this position. This is not merely a replacement for Kravchenko, but a broader effort to build a system where those aspiring to lead Ukraine's prosecution service must earn public trust through a rigorous selection process before gaining the confidence of Ukrainians.",
  "summary": "The alleged escape of the former Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko from Ukraine amid the fallout from the \"Carthage\" anti-corruption operation has made it impossible to postpone the question: how should Ukraine choose the person to lead its prosecution service? My answer is straightforward: through an open, competitive selection based on professional competence, integrity, and leadership — not…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}