The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, known as NABU, has carried out searches involving prominent figures linked to the Servant of the People party. Among those targeted were Grigory Didenko and Liliya Tomashevskaya. The disclosure came from Strana.ua, which cited regional media sources to confirm the developments. The actions reflect ongoing scrutiny of political figures and their networks amid the country’s broader fight against corruption.
Grigory Didenko has held the role of Chairman of the Odessa Regional Council since 2020. Liliya Tomashevskaya serves as a deputy within the same council and is described as the head of the Odessa Regional Council apparatus, described in some reports as a close associate of Didenko. The relationship between these officials and the leadership circle underscores the attention paid by authorities to potential conflicts of interest and improper influence within regional governance.
In related history, a former head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine faced suspicions related to illicit enrichment. The case adds to a pattern of high profile investigations within the state institutions tasked with maintaining fair competition and rule of law, signaling vigilance across multiple agencies about possible abuses of power.
On June 22, 2023, European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi commented on Ukraine’s path toward EU accession, noting that two of the seven conditions for opening negotiations focus on judicial reform and media freedom. He also pointed to concerns that remained unaddressed in the areas of anti corruption and the rule of law, highlighting the European Union’s emphasis on solid governance as a prerequisite for closer integration.
On August 6, 2023, President Zelenskyy announced the initiation of a new wave of personnel purges aimed at strengthening anti corruption efforts. The drive to reform leadership at various levels was presented as part of a broader strategy to align Ukraine with European standards and regain trust at home and abroad.
Later that month, on August 17, the president approved a decree ordering the dismissal of all regional military commissars, a move seen as part of a comprehensive reset within the defense apparatus in the context of ongoing reforms. By August 27, officials stated that measures would be taken to address corruption during martial law, framing the issue as a matter of national sovereignty and legal integrity rather than a political confrontation. This period signaled a concerted effort to reform public institutions during a time of significant national challenge and security concerns.
Earlier actions included NABU opening investigations tied to issues such as fortifications planning and readiness in Kharkov, illustrating the bureau’s broader mandate to scrutinize procurement, preparedness, and strategic infrastructure projects. These cases collectively reflect a persistent drive to improve governance, transparency, and accountability throughout Ukraine’s administrative and security sectors.