Ukraine appoints low-profile acting prosecutor general amid probe into office scandals

What happened

The Kyiv Independent reports that Anton Kovalsky was appointed as Ukraine’s acting prosecutor general on September 17, replacing Ruslan Kravchenko who fled the country amid a large-scale corruption investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). This investigation targets an alleged protection racket involving a call center scam linked to the Prosecutor General's Office, and has already led to charges against a top prosecutor described as Kravchenko’s confidant.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Unlike his predecessor, Kovalsky has maintained a low profile since his appointment. Analysts quoted by the Kyiv Independent suggest President Volodymyr Zelensky is looking for a prosecutor general without existing scandals to avoid repeating past controversies. Kovalsky’s cautious and loyal reputation contrasts with Kravchenko’s more ambitious and high-profile approach.

Despite this, anti-corruption activists have raised questions about Kovalsky’s own assets, those of his former subordinates, his wife’s business, and his alliances. Some media reports link Kovalsky to businessman Illia Pavliuk and ex-prosecutor Ihor Mustetsa, both associated with the Chernivtsi region where Kovalsky served as chief prosecutor from 2021 to 2025. These links might complicate Kovalsky’s standing amid ongoing scrutiny of the prosecution office.

Known from the source

• Anton Kovalsky was appointed acting prosecutor general on September 17, 2026.
• Ruslan Kravchenko fled Ukraine on September 14, 2026 amid a NABU investigation.
• The National Anti-Corruption Bureau is investigating alleged call center protection rackets linked to the Prosecutor General’s Office.
• A top prosecutor associated with Kravchenko has been charged in connection with the investigation.
• Kovalsky has kept a low public profile compared to Kravchenko.

What remains unclear

The timing and confirmation of Kovalsky’s formal appointment as prosecutor general remain unclear. Zelensky has denied holding discussions about candidates so far and referenced possible difficulties in securing parliamentary votes, given recent frequent changes in the office. Political analysts also caution Kovalsky may need time to prove his loyalty and effectiveness before gaining wider acceptance.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Whether Anton Kovalsky has been formally nominated or appointed by parliament as prosecutor general. Verification of allegations regarding Kovalsky’s personal assets and possible conflicts of interest. Confirmation of any official links between Kovalsky and businessman Illia Pavliuk or ex-prosecutor Ihor Mustetsa.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.