Ukraine appoints new Foreign and Defense Ministers amid corruption scandal

Ukraine is undergoing a significant government reshuffle amid a major corruption investigation involving the Presidential Office. The Ukrainian parliament has approved President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s nominees for two key positions: Andrii Sybiha as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Yevhenii Khmara as Minister of Defense. Khmara, a former SBU Lieutenant General with a background in special operations, takes over the defense portfolio following the dismissal of Mikhail Fedorov.

The leadership changes follow period of domestic unrest. Former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov had previously called for elections during wartime, and his removal sparked protests. Demonstrators had targeted Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, accusing him of political involvement and failing to adopt modern technologies like drones. In response to the pressure, Zelenskyy dismissed Syrskyi.

Simultaneously, anti-corruption services have launched an operation targeting officials close to the President. Investigators have uncovered a group, including the deputy head of the President’s Office, accused of laundering 3.35 million dollars. The group allegedly includes a former MP and a banking executive.