Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken a bold step by announcing the dismissal of the heads of all regional military recruitment centres in the country. This move comes in response to mounting concerns about corruption within the system. President Zelensky, through a statement on the Telegram messaging app, revealed that a review of Ukraine’s recruiting centres exposed instances of professional abuse, ranging from illicit enrichment to the unauthorized transport of draft-eligible individuals across borders during wartime.
President Zelensky stressed the importance of leadership in this critical sector, stating, “This system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery during war is treason.” The need for transparency and integrity during times of conflict cannot be understated, and Zelensky is determined to ensure that Ukraine’s military recruitment process upholds these values.
As Ukraine confronts the ongoing threat of Russia’s full-scale invasion and works towards European Union membership, combating corruption remains a paramount objective for the Kyiv government. President Zelensky’s decisive action reflects the urgency to establish a recruitment system that is not tainted by unethical practices.
To enforce this decision, President Zelensky has entrusted top general Valery Zaluzhny with the responsibility of implementation. Furthermore, candidates vying for these positions will undergo thorough vetting by Ukraine’s domestic security service, the SBU. This rigorous screening process seeks to ensure that individuals chosen to lead the military recruitment centres are dedicated to the nation’s security and welfare.
Ukraine’s military has faced challenges in recruitment due to its ongoing conflict with Russia, which has persisted for nearly 18 months. The armed forces have also grappled with incidents that exposed instances of corruption and aggressive recruitment tactics. In the face of such challenges, President Zelensky’s latest move underscores his commitment to restoring trust in the system and upholding the principles of honor and service during wartime.
Sources By Agencies
