(Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has declared his zero tolerance for corruption and treachery in the midst of his country’s struggle against Russian invaders. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy called for anti-corruption measures following the arrests of a military recruitment official involved in mass embezzlement and a parliamentarian accused of colluding with Russia.
Last month, Zelenskiy announced plans to audit military draft offices as part of his longstanding policy to clean up the military and government departments. These measures intend to demonstrate Ukraine’s dedication to combat deep-rooted graft and are crucial steps towards securing European Union membership.
Zelenskiy emphasized the anger of ordinary Ukrainians who support the war effort and are appalled by corrupt practices. He delivered a warning to all members of parliament, officials, and civil servants, stating, “When you spend days on end looking for weapons for the country, when everyone’s attention is fixed on whether there is artillery, missiles, and drones, you feel the moral strength our soldiers have given Ukraine. No one will forgive members of parliament, judges, military officials, or any other officials for placing themselves in opposition to the state.”
Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the war has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and military personnel, displaced millions, and devastated Ukrainian cities. Addressing the parliament, Zelenskiy expressed his intolerance towards those who refuse to support legislation necessary for Ukraine’s campaign to secure EU membership, especially those motivated by personal gain. He stated, “I no longer want to see any such refusals. No one wants to see that. Ukraine has no more time for that.”
In another development, the head of a military recruitment center in southern Ukraine, Yevhen Borysov, has been ordered to be held in pre-trial detention on corruption and embezzlement charges. Bail has been set at over $4 million. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention revealed that Borysov acquired funds amounting to over $5 million without any explanation. Moreover, Ukrainian media reported on his family’s acquisition of property in Spain.
Additionally, parliamentarian Oleksandr Ponomaryov was arrested on charges of treason for suspected collaboration with Russia in the occupied southeast. Ponomaryov, a lawmaker from a now-banned party accused of ties to Russia, is currently detained without bail by Kyiv’s Pechersk district court. He has previously denied any collaboration with Russia.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Nick Starkov; editing by Grant McCool)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
