In a resolute move to address a deepening corruption crisis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed Valery Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief, to dismiss all heads of the regional territorial recruitment and social support centers (TCC). The swift action comes after revelations of widespread corruption within these centers, tarnishing the integrity of institutions vital to national security.
The Office of the President conveyed this development through its official Facebook page, revealing that crucial steps were taken during a Council of National Security and Defense session on August 11. The council, deliberating on scrutinizing the territorial centers responsible for recruitment and social support, recommended a significant reshuffle.
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the dismissal of the heads of the regional conscription offices. Some of them accepted bribes in cryptocurrencies. A large number of abuses of power were discovered, including illegal wealth collection and transporting people out of the…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 12, 2023
According to the recent report, Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny has been tasked with appointing officers who have directly participated in combat operations to lead the regional TCC positions. This directive would be executed after these officers pass a thorough investigation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
The gravity of the situation was underscored by President Zelensky, emphasizing the alarming discovery of corruption instances, particularly during general mobilization periods. These cases jeopardize national security and erode public trust in state institutions.
Presently, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have launched a staggering 112 criminal proceedings against officials from the Military Committees. Additionally, 33 suspicions have been publicly announced. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement,
Regional military commissars, city, district, VLK employees, other officials. Abuse in various regions: Donetsk, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Kyiv, Lviv. Someone took cash, someone – cryptocurrency.
Zelensky outlined his administration’s approach. All regional “military committees” are to be dissolved, with the new system to be overseen exclusively by individuals with firsthand warfare experience. Those who have served on the front lines or have borne the physical and emotional scars of conflict yet retain their dignity and commitment are to be entrusted with this pivotal system.
The onus of implementing this transformative decision rests on Head Zaluzhny. Before new heads are appointed to the TCC positions, a stringent vetting process by the Security Service of Ukraine will be conducted to ensure the utmost transparency and credibility.
This latest development follows earlier revelations in August that exposed a large-scale scheme in Lviv Oblast and nine other Ukrainian regions involving issuing certificates for military medical commission exemptions.
Zelensky’s bold move demonstrates his administration’s unwavering commitment to uprooting corruption at all levels of governance as Ukraine confronts these challenges head-on, the nation’s future hangs in the balance, contingent on successfully dismantling a corrupt framework that has plagued the heart of its security apparatus.
