Ukraine Appoints New Economic Security Chief Amid Governance Overhaul

In a significant move to bolster governance, Ukraine has appointed Oleksandr Tsyvinsky as the head of its Economic Security Bureau. This appointment, delayed for weeks, is part of a broader campaign to eradicate corruption and improve bureaucratic efficiency, both essential to securing ongoing Western support during wartime.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed Tsyvinsky's appointment, highlighting his background as a former anti-corruption investigator and the rigorous vetting process he passed, including a successful polygraph test. Previously stalled by security concerns, Tsyvinsky's candidacy was strongly backed by an international selection panel.

The European Commission had previously urged Ukraine to hasten the appointment process. With Svyrydenko's recent government changes, there's a renewed focus on reducing bureaucratic hurdles and securing entrepreneurial freedoms, countering undue law enforcement pressures on businesses.

(With inputs from agencies.)