Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday commented on his country’s impeachment campaign, saying decisions were needed.
As he said in his daily video message: “We want decisions to be made on the transfer of tanks to us in order to strengthen the defense capability of our country.”
“Russian forces will intensify their efforts to advance on Bakhmut – in the east of the country -,” he added.
Corruption scandal
Earlier today, Kyiv announced the dismissal of five regional governors and four assistant ministers after a military equipment corruption scandal was uncovered.
Among the officials who resigned are Deputy Defense Minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov, who was responsible for the logistics of the armed forces, assistant to the head of the presidential administration, Kirill Timoshenko, and Deputy Prosecutor General Alexei Simonenko.
Government representative in parliament Taras Melnychuk said that the governors of the Dnipropetrovsk region (in the center) Valentin Reznichenko, Zaporizhzhya (south) Alexander Starukh, Sumy (north) Dmitry Zhyvitsky, Kherson (south) Yaroslav Yanushevich and the capital of Kyiv Oleksiy Kuleba will leave his post.
In addition, Ukraine’s deputy defense minister in charge of supplying the forces with food and equipment resigned this morning amid accusations of “corruption” that he and the ministry believe are unfounded.
suspicious practice
A statement on the website of the Ministry of Defense said that the resignation of Vyacheslav Shapovalov was “a worthy act” that will help maintain confidence in the ministry.
The President of Ukraine has previously vowed to fight corruption at all levels amid a string of allegations of bribery and suspicious activity.
Zelenskiy’s remarks came amid allegations of high-level corruption, including a report of dubious military procurement practices.
