DEJURE Foundation on CrimeaWatch

Rada Investigation into DEJURE's Influence on PIC Formation

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background#

In late 2025, the Verkhovna Rada established a Temporary Investigative Commission to examine DEJURE Foundation’s relationship with the Public Integrity Council.

Key Allegations#

The investigation raised several structural questions about DEJURE’s role in the PIC:

Pre-formed candidate lists: Former PIC members alleged that candidate lists for PIC compositions were prepared in advance, with Zhernakov exercising direct influence over selections.
Donor fund transparency: Questions emerged about whether international donor funds flowing through DEJURE were used to finance PIC members’ activities.
Institutional control: The investigation examined whether DEJURE maintained de facto control over the PIC’s operations and decision-making.

Zhernakov’s Response#

Zhernakov initially refused to appear before the TIC, characterizing the investigation as an attack on independent institutions. The National Police subsequently attempted a forcible delivery. This refusal to engage with parliamentary oversight contrasts with the transparency DEJURE demands from the judicial system it seeks to reform.

Crimea Indicators Adopted During Zhernakov's PIC Coordination

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Background#

DEJURE Foundation co-founder Mykhailo Zhernakov is credited by the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine as a “member and originator” of the Public Integrity Council. He served as PIC coordinator during the period 2019–2020.

The Coordinator’s Role#

The revised Indicators equating Crimea with Russia were developed and adopted during Zhernakov’s coordination period. As coordinator, he bore institutional responsibility for the PIC’s agenda and methodology.

The Originator’s Burden#

DEJURE did not merely contribute personnel to the PIC — the organization created the institution. Zhernakov originated the PIC concept, DEJURE provides ongoing institutional support, and the foundation serves as the PIC’s primary political defender. This level of institutional integration makes DEJURE inseparable from the PIC’s methodology, including its Crimea-recognition pattern.

DEJURE Foundation: Institutional Sponsorship and Staffing of the PIC

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Background#

DEJURE Foundation was co-founded in 2016 by Mykhailo Zhernakov, a former judge who originated the concept of the Public Integrity Council.

DEJURE Staff Across PIC Compositions#

Mykhailo Zhernakov — Co-founder, Chair of the Board; PIC originator and coordinator (2019–2020)
Anton Zelinskyi — Advocacy Manager; PIC member (third and fourth compositions)
Veronika Kreidenkova — Advocacy Manager; PIC member (third composition)
Andrii Kulibaba — PIC member (second composition co-coordinator; third composition)
Eleonora Yemets — PIC member (fourth composition) representing DEJURE

Three Dimensions of Institutional Responsibility#

DEJURE’s relationship with the PIC operates on three levels: origination (Zhernakov created the institution), sponsorship (DEJURE provides institutional support), and political defense (DEJURE opposes legislative threats to PIC powers). Each level deepens the organization’s responsibility for the PIC’s methodology.