Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pays his respects to the victims of the deadly helicopter crash during a farewell ceremony in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, January 21, 2023.
Efrem Lukatsky/AP
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Efrem Lukatsky/AP
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pays his respects to the victims of the deadly helicopter crash during a farewell ceremony in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, January 21, 2023.
Efrem Lukatsky/AP
KYIV, Ukraine — A series of resignations, dismissals and re-appointments rocked the Ukrainian government on Monday and Tuesday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other government leaders confirmed the change. change senior positions.
Deputy Defense Minister Viacheslav Shapovalov submitted his handwritten resignation a day after it was reported that his agency was corrupt. Report accused Shapovalov on using ministry funds to buy food and winter tactical clothing at above-market prices, a statement that Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov opposed.
“Despite the fact that the accusations are groundless and unfounded, Viacheslav Shapovalov’s request to resign follows the traditions of democratic and European politics, a demonstration that the interests of national defense are superior to any cabinet position,” Reznikov Written in order to confirm the resignation.
Meanwhile, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, a top aide to Zelenskyy, also submitted his handwritten resignation to the president late Monday. Zelenskyy confirmed Tymoshenko’s dismissal early Tuesday on a one-line order without giving a reason.
As the war progressed, Tymoshenko formed a group of young Zelenskyy advisers, who had achieved celebrity-like status in Ukraine, posting regularly on social media and appearing on television in optimistic. Since Russia escalated its air strikes against Ukrainian facilities in October, Tymoshenko has become the government’s main coordinator in rebuilding infrastructure and managing civilian humanitarian efforts. .
Tymoshenko’s resignation comes days after another prominent Zelenskyy adviser, Oleksiy Arestovych, resigned for spreading false information about who was responsible for the airstrike on the collapse of an apartment building that caused the collapse of an apartment building. 46 civilians were killed in the city of Dnipro on January 14.
In his nightly address Monday, Zelenskyy said “we’ve made personnel decisions — some today, some tomorrow — involving officials at different levels in ministries and departments.” other central government agencies, in regions and in the law enforcement system.”
He also banned Ukrainian officials from leaving the country after social media posts showed Deputy Prosecutor General Oleksiy Symonenko vacationing in Spain. Under Ukraine’s martial law, men of military age are prohibited from leaving Ukraine without express permission. Symonenko’s superiors confirmed his dismissal on Tuesday morning.
The series of layoffs comes as allegations of wartime misconduct increase in Ukraine, reviving pre-war concerns about rampant corruption in the country. On Monday, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure lost his job after being arrested for bribery.
Tymofiy Mylovanov, Ukraine’s former Economy Minister, said that Ukraine has taken sweeping steps to combat corruption. in one tweetMylovanov said recent corruption scandals were “phased” and not “systematic” as European officials have claimed.
But Daria Kaleniuk, head of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Center, speak Ukraine’s commitment to transparency should extend to the entire government, despite the martial law system currently in effect.
“I want to thank the law enforcement officers who protect the law, the interests of the state and ensure justice! I am grateful to the journalists who learned all the facts and established the full picture. scene!” Zelenskyy said after the scandal began to surface on Sunday.
