Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor resigns over no hope for reforms in Office

Vitaliy Kasko, deputy prosecutor general of Ukraine, announced his resignation on Feb. 15, citing frustration with his inability to reform the Prosecutor General’s office. “Any attempt to change the state of affairs is persecuted immediately and openly,” he wrote in his resignation letter. He stated that he is not going remain a part of a body which “tolerates total lawlessness, instead of protecting the law.” At his press-conference in the morning, Kasko told journalists that he discussed his resignation with “international partners” and has their support.

Kasko, as well as another deputy prosecutor general, David Sakvarelidze, have  built reputations as reformers. They became famous after arresting fellow top general prosecution officials, suspected of bribery, in July 2015. 

Commenting on the resignation of Kasko, Sakvarelidze said that it’s a big loss for the reform-driving team. He said that he is going to stay in the office, as he is still hoping for large and deep changes there. Geoffrey Pyatt, ambassador of the U.S., which actively supported Kasko, commented that his resignation is a blow to Ukraine’s reform progress in the Prosecutor General’s Office. “The United States will continue to assist those in the prosecutorial domain committed to operating under new rules,” Pyatt wrote in his blog.

Alexander Paraschiy: Although Kasko’s accusations of corruption in the general prosecutor’s office look strong, his resignation wasn’t as scandalous as the resignation of another top official, Minister of Economy Aivaras Abromavicius on Feb. 3. The dismissal of general prosecutor Viktor Shokin (who is believed to be the biggest obstacle to reforms in the Office) was one Abromavicius’ demands as well. President Poroshenko’s refusal to remove this odious person from office is only raising the ire of the West, and it makes a stronger case for halting financial aid to Ukraine, we believe.