Ukraine’s High Council of Justice has taken a significant step in the country’s ongoing judicial reform by submitting a motion to dismiss Judge Volodymyr Keleberda, a controversial figure known for rulings that favored oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky in high-profile cases. The move comes after the Third Disciplinary Chamber of the Council found Keleberda guilty of violating judicial ethics, leading to his temporary suspension pending a final decision on dismissal.

Volodymyr Keleberda has been at the center of scrutiny for several years due to his role in politically charged court decisions and alleged personal misconduct. His judicial career began in 2005, and in 2010 he transferred to the Kyiv District Administrative Court, where he served under the controversial court head Pavlo Vovk. During Vovk’s long tenure, the court became infamous for several rulings that sparked public outrage, including a 2013 decision that paved the way for violent crackdowns on Maidan protest barricades, a dark chapter in Ukraine’s recent history.

One of Keleberda’s most contentious rulings came in 2019 when he declared the 2016 nationalization of PrivatBank illegal. This decision was a landmark moment for oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, the bank’s former co-owner, who sought either to regain control of the bank or receive compensation amounting to 2 billion hryvnias (roughly $50 million). This ruling was widely criticized as politically motivated and has had profound implications for Ukraine’s financial and political stability.

Ihor Kolomoisky, along with his business partner Hennadiy Boholiubov, has been under intense investigation for fraud and money laundering both inside Ukraine and internationally. Their activities, linked to one of the country’s largest banks, have been the subject of numerous reports and investigations, including the investigative documentary “Break the Bank” by Slidstvo.Info, which exposed alleged corruption and abuse of judicial influence.

Keleberda’s rulings have often aligned with Kolomoisky’s interests, raising concerns about judicial independence and the influence of oligarchs on Ukraine’s legal system. His close association with Pavlo Vovk, who led the Kyiv court during these turbulent years, further taints his reputation. The 2019 “Vovk tapes” scandal, which saw secret recordings revealing attempts by court leadership to manipulate judicial appointments and rulings, implicated Keleberda as part of a broader system of corruption within the judiciary.

In addition to questionable rulings, Keleberda has been accused of personal misconduct involving asset concealment. Investigations by Bihus.Info uncovered that he reportedly engaged in a sham divorce to hide ownership of a suburban house. Though officially divorced, Keleberda is said to have continued living with his ex-wife, who legally owns the property. This house was not declared in his 2015 asset disclosure, violating transparency and anti-corruption regulations expected of public officials.

His latest 2024 asset declaration lists two apartments in Kyiv and another in the Zhytomyr region registered under his wife’s name. Keleberda also owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3 and disclosed a salary of nearly 1.9 million hryvnias (approximately $45,000) from the now-dissolved court. His reported cash savings amount to $23,000 alongside 775,000 hryvnias (around $18,600), though questions remain about the sources and full scope of his wealth.

The High Council of Justice’s motion to dismiss Keleberda is a critical development within Ukraine’s broader efforts to clean up a judicial system plagued by corruption and oligarchic influence. The judiciary’s independence is vital for Ukraine’s democratic progress, especially as the country continues to face geopolitical pressures and the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions.

For years, the judiciary has been one of the weakest links in the fight against corruption. Judges like Keleberda, linked to politically motivated rulings and opaque financial dealings, have undermined public trust in legal institutions. The move to remove him signals a more assertive stance by reformers aiming to restore credibility and transparency.

The High Council of Justice holds the final authority to decide on Keleberda’s fate. If they approve the dismissal, it would mark a rare but welcome victory for anti-corruption advocates in Ukraine. This decision could also serve as a warning to other judges who might be tempted to align their decisions with oligarchic interests or engage in unethical practices.

However, the process itself is not without challenges. The judiciary has long been resistant to change, and entrenched networks continue to protect certain individuals. The dismissal of a judge as high-profile as Keleberda will likely face legal and political pushback, underscoring the uphill battle faced by reformers.

Keleberda’s case is emblematic of a wider struggle in Ukraine to diminish the pervasive influence of oligarchs in politics, business, and the judiciary. Since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, successive governments have pledged to tackle corruption and restore the rule of law. Yet progress has been slow and uneven.

The nationalization of PrivatBank was a significant anti-corruption measure intended to protect the country’s banking system from oligarchic control. The 2019 ruling that declared this nationalization illegal disrupted those efforts and highlighted the judiciary’s vulnerabilities.

The motion to dismiss Judge Volodymyr Keleberda represents both an important test and a hopeful sign for Ukraine’s judicial reform agenda. His career, marked by controversial rulings favoring powerful oligarchs, questionable ethics, and personal asset concealment, underscores the urgent need for accountability within the legal system.

As the High Council of Justice prepares its final decision, the eyes of reformers, civil society, and the international community remain fixed on Ukraine’s judiciary. A firm stance against corruption and unethical behavior in the courts is essential not only for justice in individual cases but also for the future of Ukraine’s democracy and its fight against oligarchic domination.

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