In more troubles for war-torn Ukraine, a top aide of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along with the heads of four regional governments have submitted their resignation as the country banned government officials from visiting abroad.
According to Ukrainian media, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of Zelensky’s office stepped down as the president announced a reshuffle of his government, in regions, and in the military.
Heads of the regional governments of Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye, Kherson and Sumy regions have also announced to quit their office as the war continues to inflict costs on Ukraine.
“There are already personnel decisions – some today, some tomorrow – regarding officials of various levels in ministries and other central government structures, as well as in the regions and in the law enforcement system,” the Ukrainian president announced on Monday.
Following the mass resignations, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council has banned civil servants and security officials from leaving the country during martial law, except for official business trips following charges of embezzlement against a senior government official.
As per Ukrainian media, several Cabinet ministers and senior officials could be fired as President Zelenskyy tries to streamline the government in wake of concerns about corruption.
On Monday, Ukraine’s deputy infrastructure minister Vasyl Lozinskyi was sacked and later detained by police on charges of accepting a bribe worth USD 400,000.
Even defence minister Oleksii Reznikov has been accused of corruption in the procurement of food for the military. Media reports said he signed a deal for food supplies at inflated prices.
With a notorious history of corruption, Ukraine’s war efforts are supported and financed by the West and the United States where concerns are mounting over the misuse of funds meant to thwart the Russian invasion.
The dramatic changes come days after Russia captured the salt mining town of Soledar which has been flattened due to intense fighting in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
The Zelenskyy regime has refused to acknowledge the loss even as Moscow shared proof of their senior military leaders and a parliamentarian visiting the region. Russia’s victory in Soledar is the first major success since their forces captured Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk after fierce fighting in June and July last year.