Ex-defence minister demands accountability from Zelensky over corruption, urges snap elections
Dismissed Ukraine defence chief says the president must answer questions on graft and calls for new polls amid war fatigue.
The former head of Ukraine’s defence ministry, who was removed from office last year, has publicly pressed President Volodymyr Zelensky to address a series of corruption concerns that have surfaced within the government. In a recent interview, the ex‑minister argued that the president “has questions to answer” regarding alleged misuse of funds and patronage networks that, in his view, undermine the war effort and public trust.
He did not name specific officials but pointed to a pattern of opaque procurement contracts and the continued influence of oligarch‑linked figures in key ministries. According to him, these issues have eroded morale among troops and civilians alike, prompting calls for a thorough audit of defence spending and a broader anti‑corruption drive.
Beyond the corruption accusations, the former minister also advocated for an early national election. He contended that a fresh mandate would restore legitimacy to the leadership and give Ukrainians a chance to evaluate the war’s direction. “When people feel the system is rigged, they lose faith,” he said, adding that a transparent electoral process could act as a reset button for the country’s political landscape.
Zelensky’s administration has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to reform, launching several anti‑corruption initiatives since the invasion began. However, critics argue that progress has been uneven and that high‑profile cases remain unresolved. The president has not yet responded directly to the former minister’s remarks, but his office maintains that the war’s exigencies have limited the speed of systemic change.
The comments come at a time when Ukraine is grappling with both external pressure from the Russian invasion and internal demands for better governance. International partners have stressed the importance of accountability, linking future aid to demonstrable anti‑corruption measures. Whether the former defence chief’s statements will catalyse concrete reforms or simply add to the political turbulence remains to be seen.