Corruption probe widens to include President Zelenskyy's office

Investigators have released new footage that allegedly implicates individuals close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a criminal group, expanding a corruption probe that has already led to significant personnel changes. The new evidence reportedly involves another unidentified official from the President's Office, alongside previously implicated figures like Irina Mudra, former deputy head of the president's office, and Vadim Stolar, a deputy, and former deputy Maksym Mikitas.

Mudra was accused of money laundering and dismissed on the same day the new footage was released. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) stated that the suspects were involved in hostile takeovers of companies by falsifying documents related to ownership rights and court decisions. The investigation is reportedly widening.

These developments occur amidst a backdrop of ongoing Russian attacks and internal political turmoil. Arsen Zhumadilov, director of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) of the Ministry of Defense, announced his resignation, effective August 31. His departure follows the Ukrainian parliament's approval of Yevhen Hmara as the new Minister of Defense, replacing Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed by Zelenskyy a month prior, sparking protests.

Oleh Klots will serve as the interim head of the DPA. The agency had been merged with the State Logistics Operator (DOT) in January under Zhumadilov's leadership, a move that drew criticism from anti-corruption watchdogs and contradicted NATO recommendations. Zhumadilov himself was questioned by NABU in May as a witness in a major corruption scandal involving businessman Timur Mindich, a former business associate of President Zelenskyy.

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This decision was made in June. It is my decision. No one and nothing has influenced it. As of today, my decision stands that August 31 will be my last day at work.