Investigation into the case linked to the former Vice Prime Minister has been put on hold following the implementation of changes to the NABU law in Ukraine.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has suspended an investigation into a case against former Ukrainian Vice-Premier Alexei Chernyshov. This development comes after the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed a law that effectively abolished the independence of NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) on July 22, 2025.
The law, which sparked mass protests in Ukraine, gave excessive control to the Prosecutor General, stripping the Head of SAPO of their authority and allowing the Prosecutor General to unilaterally close cases involving top officials. It also removed the ban on withdrawing cases from NABU and permitted the Prosecutor General to reassign those cases to other agencies. Furthermore, the law required NABU and SAPO to coordinate with the Prosecutor General before notifying top officials of suspicion, and made the Prosecutor General’s instructions on NABU investigations binding.
This law was seen as a major step back in Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms, effectively putting powerful anti-corruption bodies under the control of the Prosecutor General and thus weakening their independence and effectiveness. The immediate implications were significant public protests, including large-scale demonstrations in Kyiv, and widespread disapproval from Ukraine’s European allies.
However, just over a week later, on July 31, the Verkhovna Rada voted overwhelmingly to restore the independence of NABU and SAPO through new legislation introduced by President Volodymyr Zelensky. This law reversed the earlier measures, reinstating the powers and autonomy of these anti-corruption agencies. The recent vote was historically significant as it was the first live-streamed parliamentary session since the full-scale Russian invasion, increasing transparency and public engagement.
Prior to the suspension of the investigation, NABU had charged Chernyshov with abuse of office and obtaining unlawful benefits on June 23. The report cites a source in law enforcement, but does not provide details about the specific allegations against Chernyshov. It is unclear whether the searches at Chernyshov's residence, which were mentioned in a court ruling that led to the charges, are still ongoing.
Chernyshov has held several high-profile positions in Ukrainian politics. From December 2024, he headed the Ministry of National Unity. Before that, he served as the Minister of Regional Development, Territories, and Capital Infrastructure for two years. From November 2022, he has been the head of Naftogaz Ukraine's board. These positions came with draft deferment and a salary of at least 300,000 hryvnia ($7,100). Chernyshov also served as the chairman of the Kyiv Regional State Administration for three years.
The report was published by the Ukrainian publication "Mirror of the Week". Earlier, it was reported that Zelensky was being "reset" morally and politically in the NABU and SAP case. However, the recent legislative changes and the subsequent restoration of NABU and SAPO's independence suggest a renewed commitment to anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine.
[1] "Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies lose independence as Verkhovna Rada passes controversial law" - Al Jazeera, July 22, 2025. [2] "Ukraine's parliament restores independence of anti-corruption agencies" - Reuters, July 31, 2025. [3] "Ukraine's anti-corruption crisis: What's behind the parliament's controversial move?" - The Kyiv Independent, July 26, 2025. [4] "Ukraine's parliament holds first live-streamed session since full-scale invasion" - The Guardian, July 31, 2025.
- The suspension of the investigation into Alexei Chernyshov's case by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is a concern within the general news, policy-and-legislation, and crime-and-justice sectors, as it follows the controversial law passed by Ukraine's parliament that effectively abolished the independence of NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), making headlines in international news outlets like Al Jazeera.
- The recent legislative changes introduced by President Volodymyr Zelensky, which restored the independence of NABU and SAPO, have significant implications not only within Ukraine's politics but also in the broader international context, particularly for Ukraine's relations with its European allies and its ongoing commitment to anti-corruption reforms as covered by media outlets such as The Kyiv Independent and The Guardian.
