**Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Activist Released on Personal Recognizance**
In a dramatic turn of events, the Kyiv Pechersk District Court has ruled to place Vitaliy Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center’s (AntAC) executive board, on personal recognizance until August 20. This decision means that Shabunin will not have to post bail while awaiting trial.
Shabunin was charged with evading military service and fraud on July 11, accusations he and his team vehemently deny. As a current member of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Shabunin is one of the country’s most influential anti-corruption crusaders. He has been targeted by authorities multiple times since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
The new charges against Shabunin are linked to a criminal case involving Viktor Yushko, a serviceman and former commander of the 207th battalion of the Kyiv territorial defense. Yushko is under investigation for alleged abuse of power, accused of authorizing fictitious business trips for military personnel, including Shabunin.
According to investigators, Shabunin stands accused of taking a monthly military allowance of Hr 50,000 ($1,200) while absent from his unit. Serhii Rokun, Shabunin’s lawyer, described the charges as “absolutely unfounded” and said they are considering an appeal.
**A Politically Motivated Case?**
Shabunin has consistently maintained that the cases against him are politically motivated and linked to the President’s Office Head Andriy Yermak and his Deputy Chief of Staff Oleh Tatarov. AntAC has also accused the President’s Office of attempting to discredit Shabunin through anonymous Telegram channels.
Tatarov, a powerful but divisive figure in Ukrainian politics, was previously charged with bribery before joining the presidential administration. Law enforcement agencies obstructed the corruption case against him and eventually dropped it.
In court, Shabunin stated that he believes this is an attempt to use him as an example to show all whistleblowers and critics that President Volodymyr Zelensky and his team can do whatever they want, to whomever they want, whenever they want.
**A Dark Day for Whistleblowers?**
If convicted, Shabunin faces up to 10 years in prison. This development has sparked concerns among human rights activists and anti-corruption advocates that the Ukrainian government is using its power to silence critics.
The Kyiv Independent will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
