Successive resignations of senior Ukrainian officials after a corruption scandal

A number of senior Ukrainian officials today announced their resignations following the press revelations of allegations of purchases of army supplies at inflated prices.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidency of Ukraine, Kirillo TymoshenkoOn Tuesday, he said he had asked President Volodymyr Zelensky the day before to relieve him of his duties. “I thank the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, for the trust and the ability to do good deeds every day, every minute.”Mr. Tymoshenko wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Kyrylo Tymoshenko, who Ukrainian media reported could be part of changes to government teams announced on Monday by Volodymyr Zelensky, did not give a reason for his departure. An executive order accepting his resignation was posted on the president’s website. He should be replaced by Oleksiy Kuleba, head of the military department of the Kyiv region.

On Monday, the Ukrainian president said that personnel changes will be announced this week in the government, regions and security forces, following accusations of corruption, nearly a year after the Russian invasion. Kyrylo Tymoshenko, 33, has been deputy chief of the Ukrainian presidential office since 2019, overseeing regional politics. He also worked with Mr. Zelensky during his election campaign, overseeing media and creative content. According to Ukrainian media, Mr. Tymoshenko, since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has been involved in several scandals related to his personal use of expensive cars. He denied all of these accusations.

Along with Kirillo Tymoshenko, Vyacheslav Shapovalov He resigned from the post of Deputy Minister of Defense: he was responsible for the logistical support of the armed forces. Deputy Public Prosecutor Oleksiy Simonenko He also resigned: accused of going on vacation to Marbella for ten days to celebrate the New Year with his family, Ukrainian press reports.

In a speech on Monday evening, Volodymyr Zelensky He said changes would be made over the next 24 hours for senior government and regional positions. In the past, Mr. Zelensky has promised to fight corruption at all levels, amid a series of accusations of bribery and questionable practices among the ruling political class.

These statements come after the arrest Vasil LozinskyDeputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, is suspected of taking a bribe of $400,000 for “facilitate” Buy generators at inflated prices as the country faces widespread power outages in the wake of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.

Other resignations must be announced during the day.