Key facts
- Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated President Volodymyr Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government.
Ukraine's former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky has 'questions to answer' regarding corruption within his government. Fedorov, who was dismissed last month, suggested that recent money laundering investigations raise concerns about Zelensky's awareness of potential corruption among his inner circle.
The allegations of corruption within President Zelensky's government, coming from a recently dismissed and popular minister, could impact international support for Ukraine and its ongoing fight against Russian aggression. It also raises questions about Ukraine's commitment to democratic reforms amidst the war.
Ukraine's former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky has "questions to answer" regarding corruption within his government. Fedorov, who was dismissed last month, told the BBC that a recent money laundering investigation raises concerns about Zelensky's awareness of potential corruption among his inner circle.
Fedorov, known for modernizing Ukraine's armed forces and pioneering drone warfare, was fired after reportedly falling out with the head of Ukraine's armed forces. He also called for elections, asserting that "democracy should not be the hostage of Putin" and that Ukraine must not lose its democratic status by suspending elections indefinitely under martial law.
His comments come as a money laundering investigation uncovered a scheme to misappropriate over $3 million (£2.2 million) to pay bail for a former energy minister. A senior official in Zelensky's office, allegedly involved, was sacked. A spokesperson for the president noted Fedorov's prior involvement in government since 2019, questioning why he was now raising these issues.
Fedorov claimed he had worked to root out corruption from defence procurement but warned it still impacts frontline capacity. He denied having immediate political ambitions but did not rule out a future presidential run. He also confirmed plans to visit the United States to meet Elon Musk, aiming to discuss extending Starlink technology for Ukrainian strikes.