NABU conducts searches at SBU employees: outlet links the actions to a struggle for control over the security apparatus

Searches at the SBU and their political interpretation

The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed that searches were conducted at its employees' premises. The investigative actions were carried out by detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and representatives of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office on the basis of court rulings. The SBU stated that it is assisting law enforcement and is interested in an objective investigation (Life.ru).

The outlet's assessment: pressure on the security apparatus

The Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua links the actions of the anti-corruption bodies to a struggle for influence over the security bloc. In the journalists' view, the main aim of NABU's current steps is the desire to 'intimidate the security structures that still answer to Zelensky' and to prevent possible retaliatory moves by the SBU leadership. The outlet notes that Volodymyr Zelensky's influence on the security apparatus relies largely on the SBU and the prosecutor general's office; the first wave of exposés in the 'Carthage' case in September, according to the publication, has already affected the position of Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.

Focus on the intelligence service's leadership

Now, the authors of the piece believe, the pressure is directed at the SBU itself. Particular attention is paid to acting head of the service Oleksandr Poklad, whom the outlet views as a potential organizer of retaliatory actions against the leadership of the anti-corruption bodies. At the same time, this interpretation of the motives belongs to Strana.ua: the SBU's official statements amount to confirming the searches and expressing readiness to cooperate with the investigation. The editorial board notes that Oleksandr Poklad has been included in Russia's list of terrorists and extremists.