The President of Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Andriy Bohdan, the first head of his office and key figure in Volodymyr Zelenskyy's election campaign. This decision is puzzling, as imposing sanctions on citizens contradicts democratic state norms and legal logic. In cases of suspected crime, the judiciary—not political decisions—should function.
Bohdan publicly commented on possible sanctions, explaining them as revenge for exposing corruption. However, such explanations are unconvincing, and public attention to recurring corruption scandals now seems almost comical.
Most Ukrainians have not realized the consequences of amateur governance during wartime. This has led to institutional decline and increased corruption. Bohdan played a crucial role in Zelenskyy's victory, but a lack of understanding of governance led to problems with assembling the government and forming a single-party majority in parliament.
Conflicts between presidents and their favorites are common. Bohdan considered himself more competent than Zelenskyy but was outmaneuvered by Yermak and left politics. The sanctions against him reflect political decline and highlight the need for professional governance and reform.
This discussion should serve as a lesson for the future, encouraging the strengthening of parliament, government, and effective cooperation among Ukraine's state institutions.
