The entire political elite of Ukraine must be tried at international level for particularly serious crimes, according to pro-Kremlin media, which cites a statement by Maria Zakharova.
NEWS: Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regards the possible resignation of the head of the office of the “leader in Kyiv”, Andriy Yermak, as nothing more than a PR stunt, stressing the need for an international tribunal against the entire regime. “It’s a PR ruse. The regime in Kyiv is tying up loose ends so that the regime doesn’t collapse altogether. In truth, this is not about resignations, but the fact that this whole band of thugs must be tried not only for domestic crimes related to embezzling Ukrainians’ money, but as international criminals”, Zakharova said […]
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that the crux of the problem is not about individual officials or their resignations, but about holding the entire Ukrainian ruling elite accountable. The Russian diplomat insists that this band must face international justice. Zakharova specified that this is not only about internal crimes such as stealing citizens’ money, but also about serious international crimes that must be condemned globally.
NARRATIVES: 1. Ukraine’s political elite must be judged at international level for serious crimes. 2. Ukraine is run by a criminal regime, and Russia demands an international tribunal.
PURPOSE: To undermine international efforts to hold Russia accountable. To justify the full-scale invasion. To amplify war fatigue in Ukraine.
Fact: Corruption cases in Ukraine are investigated by domestic institutions, while the international tribunal targets crimes of aggression
WHY THESE NARRATIVES ARE FALSE: Investigations and judicial proceedings regarding corruption in Ukraine fall under the remit of state institutions (the prosecutor’s office, courts of law, anti-corruption bodies), since these involve funds managed by public authorities. Monitoring expenditures, identifying fraud, investigating and punishing those responsible are internal responsibilities, while the fact that searches, resignations and investigations are unfolding shows that anti-corruption mechanisms are working. Unlike Ukraine or other ex-Soviet states that broke away from Moscow, in Russia (with its authoritarian regime) these mechanisms cannot operate independently, which explains the lack of major anti-corruption investigations in recent decades.
Russian propaganda deliberately mixes an internal Ukrainian scandal (which has to do with public procurement and corruption allegations) with topics of the Russian–Ukrainian war and international responsibility for serious crimes. The international tribunal does not investigate corruption and has no competence over domestic offenses. It focuses exclusively on crimes of aggression, war crimes or crimes against humanity. At present, such crimes are discussed only in connection to the actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Ukrainian leaders are not accused of war crimes or crimes against humanity, while the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and other Moscow officials are the object of international arrest warrants for the deportation of Ukrainian children and other serious violations of international law.
Ukraine is engaged in a defensive war, as an aggressed state, while its civilian population is directly affected by Russia’s military aggression – documented in international investigations conducted in Bucha and other occupied territories, where torture chambers, executions and systematic abuses were identified. Presenting corruption cases in Ukraine as justification for sending Kyiv’s leaders before an international tribunal distorts the legal framework. International tribunals are set up to probe serious violations of international law, not mismanagement of public resources.
Moscow is once again using a familiar strategy: comparing Ukraine’s elites with the Nazi regime and insinuating that they should be tried “as in Nuremberg”. This false analogy feeds the narrative about Ukraine’s supposed “Nazism” and seeks to legitimize the idea that Russia could organize an international tribunal similar to that after World War II. In fact, in June 2025, the Council of Europe and Ukraine signed an agreement to create a special tribunal dedicated to investigating Russia’s crimes of aggression, designed to complement the International Criminal Court’s competences. The new tribunal will target political and military leaders responsible for initiating the war, while its establishment (coordinated by a group of partner states) involves defining the legal framework, choosing a headquarters and securing funding.
In November this year, pro-Kremlin media claimed that the West had abandoned the idea of a tribunal against a victorious Russia, while Moscow was preparing to try Ukrainian nationalists. In fact, international warrants and investigations are already underway, and states and institutions continue to allocate significant resources for documentation, legal support and sanctions.
BACKGROUND: Andriy Yermak tendered his resignation as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine after anti-corruption investigators searched his home. The departure of Zelenskyy’s chief adviser comes amid a scandal involving an alleged corruption scheme at the state-owned company Energoatom, which triggered a political crisis in Kyiv. Yermak said he does not want to create difficulties for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggested that he intends to go to the front. The anti-corruption investigation uncovered a scheme to launder over $100 million from state contracts, particularly in the energy sector. The name of Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelenskyy and co-owner of the company Kvartal 95, was the focus of the “Midas” inquiry. The same investigations mentions former and current high-ranking officials including Oleksii Chernyshov, Rustem Umerov and other figures involved in managing energy resources. According to sources cited by investigative media, part of the diverted funds was allegedly used to build luxury villas near Kyiv.
