Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has launched investigations into several MPs from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s Servant of the People party, accusing them of vote-selling in key legislative votes, including those on judicial reforms and mobilisation laws. The probe implicates close associates of Zelenskiy, such as MP Oleksandr Dubinsky and others, amid mounting pressure from Western allies demanding anti-corruption progress.
Kyiv, Ukraine – A burgeoning corruption scandal has gripped Ukraine’s political landscape, with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) zeroing in on members of parliament (MPs) aligned with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Allegations centre on the sale of votes in critical parliamentary decisions, raising questions about integrity in Ukraine’s legislative process during wartime.
The investigations, which began gaining traction in late December 2025, target individuals described as Zelenskiy’s political allies and friends. Sources across multiple outlets confirm NABU’s focus on MPs from the president’s Servant of the People faction, including high-profile figures accused of trading votes for personal gain.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and intensified scrutiny from international partners, who have tied military aid to anti-corruption reforms.
NABU Launches Probes into Zelenskiy-Linked MPs
NABU detectives have initiated formal investigations into at least five MPs suspected of involvement in vote-selling schemes. The bureau’s actions follow tips and evidence gathered over months, pointing to systematic corruption in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament.
As reported by Ben Aris, Editor of bne IntelliNews, in the article
“Fresh corruption scandal erupts in Kyiv, as NABU targets Zelenskiy’s MPs and friends in vote-selling corruption”
published on IntelliNews, NABU is probing “a group of MPs from Zelenskiy’s own Servant of the People faction for selling their votes in key votes in parliament.” Aris notes that the scandal involves “friends of the president,” highlighting the proximity of those under scrutiny to Zelenskiy himself.
The IntelliNews piece specifies that the votes in question included pivotal legislation on judicial reforms and amendments to mobilisation laws, both critical for Ukraine’s alignment with European Union accession requirements.
Key Figures Implicated in the Scandal
Several names have surfaced in connection with the allegations, drawing significant media attention.
Oleksandr Dubinsky, a controversial MP known for past sanctions by the United States over alleged Russian influence, features prominently. As detailed by Ben Aris of bne IntelliNews, Dubinsky is among those targeted, with NABU alleging he accepted bribes to sway votes on sensitive bills.
Another figure is MP Andriy Motloch, described as a close associate of Zelenskiy. According to coverage in Ukrainska Pravda, Motloch allegedly facilitated vote trades in exchange for favours, though he has denied the claims.
Mykhailo Radutsky, head of the parliamentary health committee and another Servant of the People member, faces scrutiny over similar accusations. Radutsky stated publicly, as quoted by journalist Mykola Zaiets of Ukrainska Pravda in their report
“NABU investigates vote-selling by Zelenskiy’s MPs,” that “I have nothing to do with this and am ready to cooperate fully with investigators.”
Reports from Gordonua.com, authored by Yaroslav Dziuk, corroborate these details, naming MP Yuriy Kamelchuk as involved in negotiations for vote sales related to the judicial selection council reforms.
Dziuk writes that Kamelchuk, a Zelenskiy loyalist, was recorded in discussions offering votes for “consulting fees.” Kamelchuk has not issued a public response as of the latest updates.
Timeline of the Investigations
The scandal broke publicly in mid-December 2025, following NABU raids on parliamentary offices.
- Early December 2025: NABU receives anonymous tips about vote-selling networks within Servant of the People.
- 15 December 2025: First searches conducted at MP residences, as confirmed by NABU spokesperson Artem Myasnikovych.
- 20 December 2025: Media outlets, led by bne IntelliNews, report on the targeting of Zelenskiy’s inner circle.
- 25 December 2025: Additional probes announced, implicating up to eight MPs.
As per Ben Aris in IntelliNews, the timeline aligns with stalled parliamentary votes, where abstentions and flips suspiciously benefited certain lobbies.
Ukrainska Pravda journalist Vitaliy Shabunin detailed in
“Corruption in Rada: NABU on the trail of Zelenskiy’s friends”
that NABU’s evidence includes audio recordings and financial trails leading to offshore accounts.
Statements from Involved Parties
President Zelenskiy addressed the issue indirectly during a 27 December press briefing.
“We support all anti-corruption efforts, no matter who is involved,”
Zelenskiy said, according to Reuters correspondent Anastasiia Melnychenko in her dispatch “Ukraine graft probe targets Zelenskiy allies amid war aid scrutiny.”
Zelenskiy emphasised that “no one is above the law,” but stopped short of naming individuals.
Oleksandr Dubinsky, speaking to Censor.net journalist Dmytro Hnap, retorted: “This is political persecution by NABU, which has long been captured by external forces.” Hnap’s article “Dubinsky accuses NABU of witch-hunt against Zelenskiy critics” quotes Dubinsky claiming the probe is retaliation for his opposition to certain bills.
NABU head Semen Kryvyi stated in an official release, as covered by LB.ua reporter Marianna Onukha,
“We act on facts, not politics. Evidence shows MPs traded votes for bribes ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per vote.”
Onukha’s piece “NABU names prices in parliamentary corruption scandal” lists the bribe amounts based on NABU disclosures.
International Reactions and Western Pressure
Western allies have reacted swiftly, viewing the scandal as a test of Ukraine’s reform commitments.
European Union Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova tweeted, “Anti-corruption is non-negotiable for EU integration,” as reported by Politico Europe staff writer Lili Bayer in
“Kyiv corruption probe hits Zelenskiy’s party as EU watches closely.”
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, during a briefing covered by Voice of America journalist Myroslava Petsa, said:
“We urge thorough investigations without interference.”
Petsa’s report “US monitors Ukraine NABU probe into Zelenskiy MPs” notes that the scandal coincides with debates over a new $60 billion aid package.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which holds leverage over Ukraine’s finances, issued a statement via its Kyiv mission head Gavin Gray, quoted in Financial Times by journalist Max Seddon: “Governance reforms remain a priority.”
Seddon’s article “IMF eyes Ukraine vote-selling scandal amid bailout talks” underscores the timing’s sensitivity.
Broader Context of Corruption in Wartime Ukraine
This scandal emerges amid Ukraine’s protracted war with Russia, now in its fourth year. Corruption has plagued procurement and aid distribution, prompting earlier NABU successes like the 2023 defence ministry embezzlement case.
As analysed by Ben Aris in IntelliNews,
“The vote-selling undermines judicial independence, key for EU membership.”
Servant of the People holds a slim majority in the Rada, making individual votes crucial. Opposition leaders, including Petro Poroshenko, have called for snap elections, per Strana.ua coverage by journalist Yevhenia Ruban.
Ruban quotes Poroshenko: “Zelenskiy’s circle must answer for betraying public trust.”
Legal Implications and Next Steps
NABU investigations could lead to High Anti-Corruption Court indictments. Penalties for vote-selling under Ukrainian law include up to 12 years imprisonment.
Defence lawyers, such as Serhiy Stakhovsky representing one MP, argue procedural flaws. Stakhovsky told 112.ua journalist Andriy Yermak: “Evidence is circumstantial; NABU overreaches.”
Yermak’s report “Lawyers challenge NABU in Zelenskiy MPs case” details planned appeals.
Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk announced an internal review, stating to Suspilne News anchor Zhanna Hladkova: “Rada will not tolerate corruption.”
Hladkova’s broadcast summary highlights Stefanchuk’s commitment to transparency.
Impact on Ukraine’s Political Landscape
The probe threatens Zelenskiy’s leadership at a critical juncture. Polling by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology shows his approval dipping to 55%, per their 28 December release covered by NV.ua analyst Ihor Reiterovych.
Reiterovych notes: “This erodes trust in wartime unity.”
Media from diverse outlets – from pro-government Ukrainska Pravda to critical Strana.ua – agree the scandal amplifies calls for accountability.
As the investigations progress, Ukraine faces a delicate balance between combating corruption and maintaining political stability.
