The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has announced that changes are being made to the composition of officials at various levels, after the accusations of illegal behavior were made, the news agency writes. Reuters.
The information about corruption in Ukraine, which already has experience with high-level corruption, comes as European countries debate the German-made tank Leopard delivery. In his speech on Monday, January 23, Zelenskyi said: “Decisions are already being made about changes in personnel – some today, some planned tomorrow – at various levels both in the government and in local administrations and authorities.” Zelensky did not name names, but indicated that stricter monitoring of officials who go on assignments abroad is also planned. Several Ukrainian media have reported that some ministers and high-level officials could be dismissed immediately.
On Sunday, January 22, Ukraine’s anti-corruption office reported that it had arrested the deputy minister of transport on suspicion of accepting a bribe of 400,000 euros for the import of generators in September. The deputy minister denies the allegations. The media also accuses the Ministry of Defense of overpaying for food for soldiers. The supplier indicated that there was a technical error in the calculations and the money was not received. Zelensky’s party Servant of the people leader David Arakhamia has announced that officials should focus on the war, help its victims, reduce bureaucracy and stop doing dubious business. Arahamia said:
“There will definitely be arrests this spring. If a humane approach does not work, we will operate according to the laws of war.”
Meanwhile, there is virtually no progress on the battlefield, despite significant losses on both sides. Ukraine has indicated that the western tanks would allow to break the Russian defense lines and resume the advance. However, the western allies have so far failed to agree on the supply of tanks to Kyiv, due to concerns that Moscow could perceive this as an escalation of the situation. Berlin, which has veto power over Leopard, has indicated that it is ready to act quickly if the allies reach a consensus. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has informed that Poland is trying to obtain permission for its Leopard for sending, and is working to get other countries to agree to it as well.
Germany has announced that it will not put up obstacles Leopard for handing over to Ukraine, while US legislators have submitted an invitation to the government to deliver American tanks to Kyiv M1 Abrams, justifying the claim that even a symbolic number M1 Abrams would make partners in Europe also fight. The British plan to send 14 tanks to Ukraine Challenger 2, and France is also considering supplying its own tanks.
Moscow has responded to this with thinly veiled threats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “Responsibility is borne by all countries that are directly or indirectly involved in the supply of weapons to Ukraine and increase its technical capabilities.” Both Russia and Ukraine are planning strong attacks against their adversary in the spring, and Vadim Skibitsky, the deputy head of the Ukrainian Intelligence Service, said that if Russia’s planned attack fails, it will be the end of Russia and Putin.
On January 23, Russia shelled the residential areas of Chasivyar, and one person died. Pavlo Kirilenko, head of the military administration of the Donetsk region, said:
“The Russians deliberately terrorize and kill civilians. They will pay dearly for it.”
Since the beginning of the war, Russia has changed its rhetoric, from calling the war an operation to liberate Ukraine from the Nazis and to demilitarize it, to declaring that it is merely defending itself against western aggression. Reforms to Russia’s armed forces, announced in mid-January, will be tailored to adequately respond to threats to Russia’s security. According to Moscow, the threat is caused by the desire of Sweden and Finland to join NATO and the fact that the West is using Ukraine as a tool for a hybrid war against Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 22 Russians associated with the Russian Orthodox Church. Zelensky stated that the sanctions were applied because these persons, hiding under the shield of religion, support genocide.
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