Ukraine cuts six defense ministers
All six of Ukraine’s deputy defense ministers were dismissed Monday, the latest purge amid a flurry of corruption scandals that led to the dismissal of the defense minister two weeks ago.
Oleh Nemchinov, who leads Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers, said on Telegram the group had approved the dismissals by resolution. It was not immediately clear whether the firings were directed by new Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or both.
Zelenskyy had cited the need for “new approaches and different formats of interaction” with the military and the Ukrainian public in announcing then-defense minister Oleksii Reznikov”s dismissal this month. Ukraine Pravda reported all the deputy ministers resigned voluntarily at Umerov’s request, adding that none will be returned to their positions.
Revelations of graft involving weapons procurement have rocked the government in recent weeks. Zelenskyy was quick to assure allies funneling billions in cash and weaponry to Ukraine that the scandal did not involve international funds.
But as the war grinds on, the U.S. and other supporters have begun demanding closer accounting of how the money is being spent. The latest firings came days before Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit to Washington and lobby for President Joe Biden’s plan to provide up to $24 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Developments:
⬤ Russia’s economy is stronger than had been projected and could grow by 2.8% by year’s end, President Vladimir Putin said. He said GDP has returned to 2021 levels, the last full year before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine set off a wave of sanctions.
⬤ Poland barred entry of vehicles registered in Russia, an apparent attempt to curb the influx of Russian products banned by sanctions. Vehicles with Russian plates are now blocked by all five EU countries bordering Russia.
Ukraine to sue allies over grain shipments
Ukraine will sue Poland, Hungary and Slovakia for refusing to drop a ban on Ukrainian agricultural products, Ukraine’s Trade Representative Taras Kachka told POLITICO. The bans were designed to protect farmers in those countries from a surge in agriculture products that could drive down prices. A Russian blockade has made it difficult for Ukraine to send its products to markets in Africa and Asia.
Poland has been Ukraine’s strongest European ally, but the clash has hit Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party hard ahead of next month’s elections.