Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Agencies Probe Lawmakers Before Defence Minister Vote
Anti-Corruption Operation and Political Shake-Up in Ukraine
By Dan Peleschuk and Anna Pruchnicka
Special Operation Launched Ahead of Defence Minister Vote
KYIV, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies launched a special operation against lawmakers and presidential advisers on Wednesday, hours before a key vote in parliament for a new defence minister aimed at cementing a shake-up by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Details of the NABU and SAPO Probe
The NABU and SAPO agencies released no further details, but the probe poses a fresh headache for Zelenskiy after ousted defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections in a bombshell statement late on Tuesday.
Parliamentary Vote and Political Turmoil
Lawmakers were expected to vote on Wednesday on the appointment of Yevhenii Khmara, a former top special forces operative, as Ukraine's new defence minister after weeks of political turmoil over Fedorov's ouster.
Public Reaction and Protests
His removal had sent thousands of protesters on to the streets in rare wartime protests over the past month demanding that Zelenskiy reinstate the 35-year-old defence innovator, who is credited with trying to reform the ministry.
Changes in Military Leadership
The crisis had also forced Zelenskiy to replace Ukraine's top military commander with the younger Mykhailo Drapatyi, who was backed by protesters for his more troop-friendly approach, which they hope will lessen losses on the front line.
Ongoing Fight Against Corruption
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have waged a high-profile war against graft while Kyiv's military fights Russia, targeting senior officials in a campaign they say is critical to preparing for Ukrainian membership in the European Union.
(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk and Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Andrew Heavens and Alex Richardson)
