President Zelensky vows to fight corruption. But there is one exception
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has pledged to persist in his fight against corruption. He made this announcement during a joint press conference with Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission. However, he ruled out any dialogues with the Kremlin. "There's no way we're having talks with Russia at this time," he stressed.
Volodymyr Zelensky revealed plans to continue reforms aimed at enhancing the battle against corruption. It's not just a widely-discussed topic in the media related to grain, but also factoring into, for instance, the execution of military orders. A unique aspect of bribery is corruption in medical committees qualifying for the army.
The corruption challenges of Ukraine
In response to these incidents, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov was dismissed. The Material Security Agency of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was expected to instigate change. The institute is in charge of all army supply categories, except for equipment and military gear. However, its chairman, Arsen Zhumadilov, who assumed the position in January, claimed its existence was merely theoretical.
Ukraine prioritizes broadcasting an image as a nation combatting corruption, as it aids in their integration into Western structures. This could account for the campaign initiated in the summer of 2021 to dismantle the oligarchy in Ukraine, starting symbolically with the so-called oligarch law. Recently, Ihor Kolomoisky, an oligarch once considered Zelensky's patron in 2019, was apprehended.
Perhaps the effort to refurbish their image is also a key to understanding the president's unusual plea. Volodymyr Zelensky asked journalists not to report instances of army corruption to the public.
He said: remain silent until the victory. If we are silent, there will be no victory – Yulia Mostova, the chief editor of the portal zn.ua, who reported on the illicit procedure, remarked.
Refusal to negotiate with Russia
Queries about potential negotiations with Russia arose during Zelensky's joint conference with Ursula von der Leyen. Ukraine's President adamantly excluded such a possibility.
"There's no way we're now convening with Russia to negociate or concede anything", Volodymyr Zelensky underlined.
He also rejected any claims that Western allies were pushing him to commence discussions with the Kremlin. "It was like this at the war's inception and prior to it. Currently, no EU or United States leaders are exerting pressure", he assured.
He also addressed a statement from the Ukrainian army chief of staff, Gen Valeriy Zaluzhny, for The Economist. He suggested that the conflict with Russia is at a standstill, and a significant technological breakthrough is needed to break this deadlock, which is presently improbable.
President Zelensky denied the existence of a current stalemate at the front. "Russia dominates the sky, and we safeguard our soldiers", he emphasized.
He added that waiting is now necessary - for F-16 planes and training for soldiers to pilot them. Besides the F-16, Kazakh MiGs have emerged, auctioned off by the Kazakh authorities.
These combat aircraft, still produced during the Soviet era, are utilized by the Ukrainian and Russian armies. Hence, there's a possibility of the Ukrainian army showing interest in buying them to scavenge necessary parts for maintaining their existing aircraft.
No consideration of negotiations
Recently, NBC News reported that US and European Union representatives had started discreet discussions with Ukraine about the possibility of peace talks with Russia. President underscored that his country has no option but to carry on the fight.
What's the alternative? - he asked rhetorically. - Are we supposed to forfeit a third of our country? It would just be the start of more to come - he emphasized.
