Budanov right to call out “phone rule” practices, expert says
Kyrylo Budanov via Telegram
Presidential Office head Kyrylo
Budanov’s recent criticism of so‑called “phone
rule,” the practice of decisions being made or
influenced through private phone calls, is a step in the right direction,
political analyst Ihor Reiterovych told NV Radio on April 21.
“What he said was actually quite banal; if he is now actively engaging in domestic politics — which has become noticeable after a period of relative quiet, and especially in the past week — he cannot ignore questions related to corrupt practices in Ukraine,” Reiterovych said.
“He said the expected, understandable thing: that corruption in Ukraine often equals phone call‑based influence, and that must be fought.”
Reiterovych noted that Ukrainians on social media joked that Budanov probably called his predecessor Andriy Yermak and told him to stop using the phone to exert influence. But the analyst added that the statement must be followed by action.
“So far, it’s no more than a statement — a correct one — but a statement should be confirmed by actions,” he said.
“The main thing is that he himself does not start using this system. It’s not inherently a problem; of course, the head of the office can communicate — that’s normal. The important thing is that it does not become a required condition for making decisions that should be made without phone calls.”
Reiterovych also warned that structures left over from Yermak’s time remain and must be dismantled, citing journalistic investigations. He expressed doubts that Budanov alone can eliminate them.
“I honestly have some doubts; not because he lacks authority or opposes this, but because the fight against such things must start at a much higher level,” said Reiterovych.
“There must be political will demonstrated by the president
for the whole country to see. Unfortunately, we do not see that political will
now.”
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