Nataliya Zemlyanska, head of the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, has commented on the recent decision by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) to introduce a moratorium on business inspections.
She emphasized that the union strongly opposes unjustified pressure on businesses and politically motivated criminal cases that lead to company closures, economic stagnation, and job losses.
“The union categorically condemns any baseless pressure on business — fabricated criminal cases that shut down enterprises, halt development, and leave people without jobs,” Zemlyanska stated.
She also drew attention to the fact that trade unions themselves have faced similar persecution:
“We experienced the same pressure. For over nine years, there’s been an ongoing criminal case related to the Trade Unions Building on Kyiv’s Independence Square, because of which we still don’t have access to our headquarters,” she noted, referencing the long-standing conflict between ARMA and the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine.
Despite criticism, the union supports the idea of a moratorium — provided it is genuinely implemented.
“We support this moratorium (if it really works) and also support the Prosecutor General’s call to audit long-standing cases. Many people have been suffering for years,” Zemlyanska said.
However, she also pointed out the ambiguity in the NSDC’s document:
“It doesn’t clearly state which business sectors are covered by the moratorium. But at least the fact that top state officials have voiced support for businesses to operate freely — that’s already a positive step. Let’s hope it works — but we’ll see.”
