In an attempt to combat rampant corruption within the country's conscription campaign, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has removed all regional military officials responsible for the process. This announcement comes in the wake of revelations of widespread corruption scandals that have rocked the nation.
President Zelensky's decision was made public following a high stakes meeting of the National Security and Defense Council. The meeting focused on the inspection of military recruitment offices, where numerous instances of corruption were uncovered. Zelensky disclosed that a staggering 112 criminal cases had been opened against officials in territorial recruitment centers. This wave of criminality implicated 33 suspects, including commissars and medical commission employees.
The charges against these officials ranged from accepting cash or cryptocurrency bribes. Among the notable scandals was a conspiracy enabling recruits to purchase counterfeit medical certificates, a revelation that cast a dark shadow over the integrity of the conscription process. Additionally, the arrest of Evgeny Borisov, a former recruiting officer, sent shockwaves through the nation as he faced charges of unlawful financial gain at the expense of the nation's security.
President Zelensky announced that the dismissed officials would be replaced by combat veterans, individuals who had served their country, or those unable to continue active service due to severe injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Zelensky affirmed that officials who could prove their innocence would have the opportunity to maintain their ranks, but with a catch. These individuals would need to demonstrate their commitment by stepping onto the frontline, actively participating in combat roles.