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Ukraine confirmed on Thursday that veteran investigator Oleksandr Klimenko will be the head of the Special Prosecutor’s Anti-Corruption Office. The European Union requested the appointment of an anti-corruption prosecutor from Ukraine, which is seeking membership.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on the Telegram messaging app that Prosecutor General Andrei Kostin’s first important decision since his vote on Wednesday is to sign the appointment of Klimenko.
“The fight against corruption is very important to our country, our investment attractiveness and business freedom depend on its success” Andrei Germak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, wrote on Telegram.
Klimenko was appointed after a lengthy selection process after his predecessor resigned nearly two years ago. He previously worked for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, another government body trying to curb corruption.
Progress in the fight against corruption is one of Kyiv’s long-term commitments to its Western partners. The country’s need for financial, political, and military support has increased sharply since the Russian invasion on February 24.
The European Union granted Ukraine candidate status earlier this month, kicking off the long road to membership, but said there was still important work to be done, including fighting corruption.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her video address to the Verkhovna Rada on 1 July that this work includes appointing an anti-corruption prosecutor as soon as possible.
Ukraine implements one of the recommendations accompanying its membership status in the European Union Matti Macikas, EU ambassador to Ukraine, wrote on Twitter. A long selection process ended with lessons learned. I wish Mr. Klimenko strength and courage! “
The United States also welcomed the appointment of Klimenko.
“His office plays a critical role in Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure, and is an essential component of Ukraine’s defense against Russian influence and aggression.” Bridget Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine, wrote on Twitter.
Produced using Reuters coverage.
