Trample on/upon

Other key changes were looming: reviewing controversial privatisations, weeding out unfair tax privileges and improving the management of state monopolies by hiring new staff in open tenders.

The ambitious plans are causing a stir in Ukraine's business community and among the public at large.

Ukrainians accustomed to the cronyism and corruption associated with Mr Yushchenko's predecessor, Leonid Kuchma, were stunned by the new government's pledges.

It was hard to believe that the interests of the powerful oligarchs controlling large chunks of Ukraine's economy could be trampled upon.


As in most other former Soviet countries, during Mr Kuchma's reign ministerial offices were often viewed as a mere extension of the oligarchs' business empires, competing for markets and influence.
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I know the meaning of the words 'trampling on' . For example, in politics, you could say the government trampled on the needs of the people and increasesd price of petrol.

I wouldn't think the words 'trample upon' has a meaning here. What does it say in the above article?