Ukrainian Conscription Officials Fired Over Shocking Corruption Scandal, President Zelensky Calls it High Treason

In a major anti-corruption drive, Ukrainian conscription officials accused of bribery and smuggling people out of the country have been dismissed from their positions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that over 30 people are facing criminal charges, and all regional officials in charge of military conscription have been removed.

Zelensky emphasized that bribery during a time of war is considered high treason. The removal of these officials comes as Ukraine continues its counter-offensive operation and works to strengthen its armed forces. The president's office stated that corruption allegations pose a threat to national security and undermine confidence in state institutions.

The dismissed officials were involved in various activities, including accepting cash and cryptocurrency bribes and assisting individuals who were eligible for conscription to leave the country. Ukraine's general mobilization rules require all men over the age of 18 capable of fighting to be conscripted, and most adult men under the age of 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.

Zelensky highlighted that the conscription system was not functioning properly and stated that it should be run by individuals with battlefield experience who understand the realities of war. The corruption within the conscription system was exposed during an inspection of local army offices.

Zelensky revealed that criminal proceedings have been initiated against 33 suspects, and widespread abuses have been discovered across the country. The exact number of casualties in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains unknown, as both parties do not disclose the figure.

However, both sides have been actively recruiting to replenish their ranks due to the attritional nature of the fighting. This recent crackdown on corruption is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign launched by the Zelensky government.

Over the past months, several officials accused of corruption have been removed from their positions, and even the head of the country's Supreme Court was detained on bribery charges. Corruption has long plagued public services in Ukraine and addressing this issue is crucial for the country's aspirations to join Western institutions like the European Union.

While Ukraine currently ranks 116th out of 180 countries on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, efforts have been made in recent years to improve the situation.