Ukraine Appoints Economic Security Chief Amid Governance, Reform Push

Ukraine has appointed Oleksandr Tsyvinsky as the head of its Economic Security Bureau (ESBU) after weeks of delay, marking a key step in the country's ongoing campaign to strengthen governance and fight corruption. Tsyvinsky, a former anti-corruption investigator, underwent a thorough vetting process, including a successful polygraph test, addressing prior security concerns linked to his family background that had stalled his appointment. The European Commission welcomed the appointment, emphasizing its importance for Ukraine's rule of law reforms and EU accession ambitions, and urged Kyiv to finalize the process promptly. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko highlighted the need to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, protect entrepreneurs, and eliminate shadow schemes distorting Ukraine's economic relations. Despite initial resistance from Ukraine's previous government and the Security Service of Ukraine, the transparent and merit-based selection process gained international backing, reinforcing the ESBU's independence and effectiveness. This move is seen as essential to maintaining critical Western support amid ongoing conflict and reform efforts.