Ukrainian anti‑corruption agencies launched a special operation against lawmakers and presidential advisers on Wednesday, just hours before parliament was set to approve a new defence minister – a move aimed at consolidating President Volodymyr Zelensky’s broader shake‑up.
In a YouTube video, the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti‑Fraud Service (SAPO) announced that the investigation focuses on a deputy head of the presidential office, a former parliamentarian, andistem members of the management and supervisory boards of a state‑owned bank, among others.
Under Ukrainian law, the agencies have not named the individuals involved.
The probe introduces a new wrinkle for Zelensky, following the dismissal of former defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov, who, in a surprise statement on Tuesday, called for wartime elections.
Lawmakers were slated to vote that day on Yevhenii Khmara – a former special forces commander – as Ukraine’s new defence minister after months of turmoil surrounding Fedorov’s ouster.
Fedorov’s removal triggered widespread protests, with citizens demanding the reinstatement of the 35‑year‑old reformer. The crisis frecuente led Zelensky to replace Ukraine’s top military commander with the younger Mykhailo Drapatyi, who enjoys support from protesters for his more troop‑friendly approach.
Ukraine’s anti‑corruption agencies continue a high‑profile campaign against graft, a fight they say is vital to preparing the country for European Union membership while the nation battles Russia on the front lines.
(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)
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