Ukraine-Russia conflict: Zelensky dismisses key personnel due to accusations of rampant corruption within the administration
Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Zelenskyy Dismisses Top Officials Amid Embezzlement Allegations
In a bid to combat high-level corruption during the ongoing war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken decisive action, terminating several top authorities from his ministry.
The latest casualty is Vasyl Lozynsky, the replacement minister of Ukraine's infrastructure ministry, who was reportedly arrested by Ukraine's anti-corruption bureau while receiving a USD 400,000 bribe. Lozynsky is alleged to have been part of an organized criminal group that embezzled funds earmarked for the reconstruction of infrastructure centers battered by Russian projectile strikes.
The investigative team is working to identify other participants in this criminal network. Kyrylo Tymoshenko, a member of Zelenskyy's presidential office, has also asked to be relieved of his responsibilities, though the reasons for his departure are unclear.
Zelenskyy reiterated his commitment to tackling corruption in a nightly video address, citing suspicions in the areas of energy and military procurement. He emphasized that there will be no return to the past ways of corruption.
Deputy Prosecutor General Oleksiy Symonenko has also resigned, adding to the list of high-profile dismissals. The replacement head of Ukraine's governmental office has been appointed, but no reasons for the change have been mentioned.
Recent corruption allegations in Ukraine have primarily involved procurement of weapons and supplies for the military. In response to these issues, Ukraine's parliament passed a law in July 2025 that consolidated more power in the hands of the Prosecutor General, a loyalist of President Zelenskyy. This move triggered widespread protests and drew criticism from civil society, activists, and Ukraine’s international partners.
Following public outcry and protests, President Zelenskyy announced that he would submit new legislation to restore the independence of these anti-corruption agencies. The draft law was submitted on July 24, 2025, and according to NABU, it fully restores their powers and safeguards their autonomy. On August 1, 2025, Ukraine’s parliament approved this new law, officially restoring the independence of these anti-corruption institutions.
Zelenskyy had previously promised employees changes in the government, local managements, and security forces following corruption accusations that arose after Russia's invasion last February. Deputy Defense Minister Viacheslav Shapovalov has also resigned, reportedly due to a scandal involving the purchase of food for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As the war with Russia continues, Zelenskyy's crackdown on corruption is a significant step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring the proper use of funds. The President's actions send a clear message to all those whose activities or behavior breach the concept of justice.
Food procurement for the Ukrainian Armed Forces has faced recent accusations of corruption, as Deputy Defense Minister Viacheslav Shapovalov has resigned amid a scandal involving this issue. In addition, politics in Ukraine, particularly on the matter of corruption, has been a hot topic, with President Zelenskyy's ongoing anti-corruption crackdown making headlines in general news.
