Cabinet of Ministers / Svyrydenko Moratorium on Inspections – The Real Threat to Business is Not the Inspectors

Moratorium on Inspections: The Real Threat to Business is Not the Inspectors — It’s the Law Enforcement System          
By: Ihor Yasko

When the Government Declares a “New Stage of Freedom” for Business
In July 2025, Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko announced the government’s initiative to introduce a one-year moratorium on business inspections. This move is presented as an effort to protect entrepreneurs from pressure, create transparency, and encourage businesses to emerge from the shadows.

But is a moratorium really what Ukrainian business needs today — or is the real problem elsewhere?

Essence of the Initiative: What the Market Really Expects

1. Moratorium Declaration:
   Only high-risk sectors (alcohol, oil & gas, defense) remain subject to inspections. Law-abiding businesses should be free from interference by control bodies.
2. Audit of Criminal Cases:
   The government will audit existing criminal proceedings against businesses. The goal: close unjustified and blocking cases. New cases can be initiated only by the Prosecutor General or regional-level heads.
3. Political Signal:
   The restrictions are intended to stimulate de-shadowing of the economy and provide “more freedom” for compliant businesses.

A Brief History of Moratoriums in Ukraine  
Moratoriums appear regularly during crises. Yet authorities have often found ways to circumvent them, and businesses rarely received real protection.

Inspections as an Indicator of Trust    
Inspections are not inherently bad. A fair and transparent system ensures accountability and fair competition. The real issue lies elsewhere.

The Real Threat Is Not Inspections — It’s Arbitrary Law Enforcement

1. Groundless raids and arrests
2. Criminal proceedings used as pressure tools
3. Corruption and impunity
4. Lack of accountability mechanisms

A Moratorium Doesn’t Help Without Reform         
Without reform of law enforcement, a moratorium doesn’t change the real risks. Instead of inspections, “operational groups” from law enforcement may appear with “anti-corruption” cases.

What Business Really Needs

• Transparent and predictable inspection rules with an independent appeal mechanism
• Protection from law enforcement abuse and mechanisms to hold them accountable
• Systematic audit of criminal cases against businesses
• Real reform of the police, SBU, DBR, and prosecution
• A strategic dialogue with the business community — not bureaucratic decisions behind closed doors

Conclusion
Ukrainian business doesn’t need more PR-driven moratoriums. It needs fair, long-term, and protected rules. True freedom comes when an entrepreneur doesn’t fear the investigator, prosecutor, or judge.

Managing Partner, WINNER Law Firm — Ihor Yasko