# Zelensky war conduct under scrutiny

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zelensky-war-conduct-scrutiny
> Updated: 2026-08-04T10:13:02.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

In mid‑July 2026 a missile and drone strike near Kyiv killed civilians, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to order an inquiry into ammunition depots sited near residential areas and to call for stricter safety rules. By early August criticism intensified over Zelensky’s war strategy and alleged corruption, with former spokesperson Yulia Mendel accusing him of using the conflict to cling to power, delay elections and enable graft, including the “Midas” scandal at the state nuclear operator and alleged misuse of EU funds. On 3 August Mendelová told a French newspaper that Zelensky was either incompetent or criminal, alleging personal enrichment and a “mafia state” atmosphere. On 4 August Zelensky instructed Ukrainian ambassadors that their performance would be judged by the quantity of arms they secure, urging them to gather intelligence on host‑nation air‑defence stocks, arrange transfers, and seek financing and political pressure against Russia. He highlighted the FREYJA anti‑ballistic‑missile programme and the expanding multilateral “Drone Deal”. A cabinet reshuffle placed former defence minister Rustem Umerov at the head of foreign intelligence, underscoring the politicised role of diplomacy. Later that day Zelensky announced that 2026 air‑defence deliveries were only about one‑third of 2025 levels, warning the shortfall weakened Kyiv’s ability to intercept Russian attacks. He reiterated the diplomatic directive to monitor missile inventories, secure transfers and make weapons procurement the chief performance metric, calling for accelerated deliveries, expanded production and localised manufacturing, while noting some partners—including the United States—had declined additional Patriot interceptor requests. On 5 August a massive Russian missile barrage struck Kyiv and surrounding areas, killing at least 17 people, wounding over 40 and damaging major civilian infrastructure such as the Epicenter retail chain, the Rozetka online marketplace and a Nova Poshta sorting centre.

## Claims

- Ukraine received in 2026 only about one‑third of the air‑defence missiles delivered in 2025. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Zelensky ordered Ukrainian ambassadors to gather information on host‑nation air‑defence missile stockpiles and to ensure transfers to Ukraine. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Zelensky said partner countries have missile stockpiles available but are not delivering them at previous rates. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Zelensky called for political decisions to accelerate missile deliveries and expand local defence production, including localisation of manufacturing in Ukraine. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A Russian attack on the Kyiv region on 5 August 2026 launched 28 ballistic missiles, four Zircon/Oniks missiles and 115 drones, none of which were intercepted, killing 17 people and wounding more than (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Russian missile attacks on Ukraine have intensified in 2026, with a growing reliance on ballistic missiles that are difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to stop. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Julia Mendelová said President Zelensky is either incompetent or a criminal. (single source)
- Mendelová alleged Zelensky personally enriched himself from the war, indicating corruption. (single source)
- She described Ukraine under Zelensky as a “mafia state.” (single source)
- Mendelová claimed Zelensky plans to prolong the conflict to preserve his political career. (single source)
- She called Zelensky the main problem of Ukraine and urged citizens to replace him. (single source)
- Mendelová gave the interview to French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Zelensky says Ukraine receiving one‑third of air‑defence missiles, orders diplomats to gather weapons data

Zelensky says Ukraine now gets only a third of air‑defence missiles, urges partners to speed up deliveries and orders ambassadors to spy on host‑nation missile stocks amid intensified Russian attacks.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zelensky-directs-ukrainian-ambassadors-to-prioritize-weapons-procurement

### 2026-08-03: Ex‑spokeswoman Julia Mendelová Accuses Zelensky of Corruption

Former spokesperson Julia Mendelová says President Zelensky is corrupt, calls Ukraine a “mafia state,” and urges his removal.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zelensky-faces-criticism-over-war-strategy-and-alleged-corruption

### 2026-07-12: Zelensky orders investigation after missile attack near Kyiv

Zelensky ordered probes into safety breaches after a missile and drone attack near Kyiv killed nine, injured dozens and forced hundreds to evacuate, highlighting flaws in ammunition depot placement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zelensky-orders-investigation-after-missile-attack-near-kyiv

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Cite as: Zelensky war conduct under scrutiny. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zelensky-war-conduct-scrutiny