Revelations from the latest release of the Pandora
Papers investigation related to President Volodymyr Zelensky show that he hasn’t
engaged in corruption, stated presidential advisor Mykhailo Podoliak on Oct. 4.
The offshore business structure was created in 2012, and that’s how business
was done then. Podoliak claimed that the accusations did not include anything
related to corruption since Zelensky became president. He told pravda.com.ua
that Zelensky is, “perfectly complying with anti-corruption legislation” and
went on to claim that the “business practices of Studio Kvartal 95 were, are
and remain ‘white’”.
James Hydzik: The revelations will occupy attention for a short while. The
long-lasting effect will not be to damage Zelensky’s reputation among voters,
though a dip in popularity is likely, but rather to leave him more vulnerable
to accusations of being just another guy in power with an offshore account and
a summer house in Italy. In other words, less of a common man than he makes
himself out to be. Given Zelensky’s concern over his image, that might not sit
well, and will become a vulnerable point when the elections come up.