During election campaigns, Ukraine traditionally finds itself in the center of attention of external players. Against the background of political competition and high-profile corruption scandals, the number of manipulations aimed at undermining trust in state institutions is sharply increasing.
One of the narratives that information security analysts are increasingly recording is the claim that “the US is using NABU for political pressure inside Ukraine — in someone’s interests, in particular Russian interests.”
Although there is no evidence to support this, this thesis is actively spreading in the media space, turning into a tool of hybrid influence.
How information operation works
Information security experts emphasize that such messages are not accidental. They are part of Russia’s broader strategy aimed at:
- undermining trust in the Ukrainian anti-corruption system,
- discrediting Ukraine’s cooperation with the United States and Great Britain,
- the formation of a sense of external control in society,
- creating the basis for political destabilization.
Anti-corruption institutions — NABU, SAP and VAKS — become the main targets of such attacks, as their work affects corruption schemes at the highest level, including those that intersected with the interests of pro-Russian political and business groups.
The role of Russia: the bet is not on direct intervention, but on discrediting
According to Ukrainian analytical centers, Russia has changed its tactics of influencing internal processes in Ukraine. Instead of direct attempts to support individual politicians, the Kremlin emphasizes information attacks that have:
- undermine public trust,
- polarize voters
- create chaos before the elections,
- to weaken the pro-European course of the state.
In this context, the narrative of “US pressure through NABU” becomes a tool that is intended to embroil Ukrainian authorities, citizens, and Western partners.
Why exactly NABU?
Since its establishment, NABU has become a symbol of the renewal of the state administration system. The agency investigates corruption at the highest levels of government — among deputies, ministers, top officials and heads of state-owned companies.
This creates a number of problems for Russia:
- anti-corruption investigations reduce the influence of pro-Russian groups,
- the support of NABU from the USA and the EU strengthens Ukraine’s western course,
- high-profile cases deprive the Kremlin of levers of pressure on individual Ukrainian politicians.
That is why Russian campaigns try to present NABU’s work not as a fight against corruption, but as a political tool of foreign influence.
Is there evidence of “electoral manipulation through the USA and NABU”?
Currently, there is no confirmation that the US or any other country is influencing Ukrainian elections through NABU. Anti-corruption bodies work within the framework of Ukrainian legislation, and international support takes place in formats typical for democratic states.
Experts emphasize that it is Russia that benefits from the spread of contrary statements, because they contribute to:
- undermining confidence in the electoral process,
- the weakening of Ukraine’s partnership with the United States,
- discrediting anti-corruption bodies,
- increasing political instability on the eve of the elections.
Elections as a key goal of the Kremlin
Russian information attacks traditionally increase during election periods in Ukraine. Their goal is not to promote a particular candidate, but to undermine the legitimacy of the process itself. All high-profile criminal proceedings, especially corruption cases against high-ranking officials, become a component of this struggle.
Conclusion
The dissemination of theses about “manipulation of Russia due to pressure from the USA at the hands of NABU” is a typical example of an information operation aimed at discrediting Ukraine as a democratic state. Its task is to reduce trust in key institutions, undermine cooperation with the West and create chaos on the eve of the elections.
To counter this, Ukraine needs:
- to maintain the transparency of the work of anti-corruption bodies,
- promptly expose disinformation attacks,
- maintain consistency in reforming and integration into the EU.
The main goal of the Kremlin is not to control the elections, but to undermine confidence in them, and, ultimately, in Ukrainian statehood.
