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Oleg Sukhov photo

Oleg Sukhov

Reporter

Oleg Sukhov is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent. He is a former editor and reporter at the Moscow Times. He has a master's degree in history from the Moscow State University. He moved to Ukraine in 2014 due to the crackdown on independent media in Russia and covered war, corruption, reforms and law enforcement for the Kyiv Post.

For media & speaking inquiries:
press@kyivindependent.com

Articles

Scandal erupts over Ukraine parliament's move to block key EU integration bills

by Chris Powers, Oleg Sukhov
A parliamentary committee on Aug. 21 defended its earlier decision to block five bills intended to strengthen the country's fight against corruption. The bills are requirements of the European Union, both to receive an estimated 2.1 billion euros ($2.45 billion) at the end of 2026, as well as to advance Kyiv's EU accession talks. The reforms seek to expand anti-corruption agencies' authority, reform the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Investigation Bureau, and repeal legislation that

Explainer: What does Ukraine's latest corruption scandal tell us about how Zelensky governs?

by Oleg Sukhov
This week's charges against Iryna Mudra, a presidential deputy chief of staff, and other suspects in a high-profile graft case marked the latest chapter in the corruption saga that has gripped Ukraine since last year. An investigation centered around state nuclear power monopoly Energoatom has prompted a political earthquake in Ukraine, becoming the biggest corruption case of President Volodymyr Zelensky's tenure. Specifically, the investigation led to the resignation of Zelensky's Chief of St

Another major corruption probe hits Zelensky's office, as investigators charge his deputy chief of staff

by Oleg Sukhov
Editor's note: This story is being updated. Key takeaways: * Investigators release tapes implicating top officials in money laundering * The suspects include former presidential Deputy Chief of Staff Iryna Mudra, lawmaker Vadym Stolar, former lawmaker Maksym Mykytas, and top executives of state-owned Sense Bank * The suspects are accused of laundering Hr 150 million ($3.4 million) and transferring the funds through Sense Bank to post bail for former Justice and Energy Minister Herman Halush

Ukraine stalls on justice, anti-corruption reforms promised to EU

by Oleg Sukhov
Back in December, Ukraine agreed to a comprehensive package of rule-of-law reforms, as one of the steps needed to move forward with EU accession talks and secure necessary funding. Soon after the agreement was signed, the government deprioritized the promised reforms. "None of the crucial reforms related to the justice system, law enforcement, or anti-corruption have been implemented," Vitaly Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center's executive board, told the Kyiv Independent. The

The downfall of Ukraine’s ex-ambassador to US, explained

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's former ambassador to the U.S. and deputy prime minister for European integration, was widely regarded as an effective manager. But her involvement in several corruption investigations cast a shadow over her career and likely contributed to her dismissal as ambassador on Aug. 3. On Aug. 5, authorities charged Stefanishyna with illicit enrichment totaling Hr 13.9 million ($310,000) and filing false asset declarations. She denies the allegations. For critics of Presi

Ukraine and Iran's dangerous new standoff, explained

by Oleg Sukhov
The escalating tensions between Ukraine and Iran over the past few days have prompted fears of a military conflict between the two countries. Kyiv and Tehran have many reasons to be at odds with each other. Iran has supported Russia's war effort against Ukraine since 2022, while Ukraine responded recently by backing the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. The most recent escalation was prompted by a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea on July 25. However, analysts say that ne

How Zelensky created a rival

by Oleg Sukhov
President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to have miscalculated. By dismissing the widely popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, he created two problems at once: he triggered a political crisis that continues to spill onto the streets, and transformed a loyal ally into a political opponent whose popularity now rivals his own. Public opinion has overwhelmingly rejected Zelensky's decision to oust Fedorov. According to a Rating Group poll published on July 22, 72% of respondents opposed Fedorov's