Two important figures in the Ukrainian government were suspended After their leadership qualities became questionable.
In his nightly video address on Sunday, Zelensky appeared to be referring to their expulsion. “Today I took the decision to remove the Prosecutor General from his post and dismiss the head of the Security Service of Ukraine,” Zelensky said, adding that many officials in both departments are suspected of treason.
But Andrey Smirnov, the deceased deputy in the office of the President of Ukraine, said on Monday that the two had been stopped to ensure they did not interfere with investigations.
Zelensky will decide whether or not to submit a motion to reject them to the Verkhovna Rada, depending on the results of the investigation.
The two suspended high-ranking officials from the work They are Irina Venediktova – the Prosecutor General – and Ivan Bakanov – the head of the powerful State Security Service or State Security Service, and a long-time colleague of the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky said several officials in both administrations are suspected of treason.
“As of today, 651 criminal cases were registered regarding treason and cooperation activities of employees of public prosecutor’s offices, pre-trial investigative bodies, and other law enforcement agencies,” he said.
“In particular, more than 60 employees of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Security Service of Ukraine remained in the occupied territories and acted against our state.”
Explaining his decision, Zelensky said, “Such a group of crimes against the foundations of the national security of the state and the discovered links between the personnel of the Ukrainian security forces and the special services of Russia pose very serious questions to the leadership in question. Each of these questions will receive an appropriate answer.”
Zelensky said that the former head of the Main Directorate of the Crimean Security Service was arrested on suspicion of treason.
“Everyone with whom he was part of a criminal group working for the benefit of the Russian Federation will also be held accountable. This is about passing on classified information to the enemy and other facts of cooperation with Russian special services.
Senior officials of the SS in southern Ukraine were blamed for the ease with which Russian forces were able to control large areas of the south within a week of the invasion.
Zelensky indicated that there will be more action.
Specific actions and any inaction will be evaluated by each security sector official and law enforcement agencies. The corresponding inspection of law enforcement agencies has already yielded the first results and will continue.”
Zelensky also said that the prime minister will intensify the search for a new head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with Presidential Adviser comments explaining that employees have been suspended.
. “Proud zombie lover. Evil pop culture buff. Amateur thinker. Total food practitioner. Tv evangelist.”