Systemic Pressure on Anti-Corruption Actors: Practices of 2025–2026. Analytical Report
This analytical report examines the challenges faced by anti-corruption actors and their anti-corruption work in Ukraine between 2025 and 2026. This study covers the period from 11th of July 2025 till the 31st of May 2026, and analyses 29 documented cases of alleged political pressure.
Of these, 21 cases concerned NABU detectives and other employees, four involved former detectives, two concerned civil society activists, and one case each involved a person close to an anti-corruption actor and a witness. The study is based on testimonies from anti-corruption actors, court monitoring materials, procedural documents, legal opinions prepared by lawyers, official statements, and open sources.
A comparison of the cases revealed recurring practices, including urgent searches conducted without prior judicial authorisation, investigative actions at relatives’ homes, the use of force, and information campaigns. The totality of the documented circumstances gave the researchers grounds to identify signs of systemic and politically motivated pressure on the anti-corruption sector.
Separate sections assess compliance with national criminal procedure standards and the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. The report also contains recommendations for public authorities, law enforcement and judicial bodies, the media, and international partners on strengthening safeguards for the independence of anti-corruption institutions and protecting individuals engaged in combating corruption.
The full analytical report is available in English and Ukrainian.
