Ukraine anti-graft agencies uncover alleged laundering group tied to presidential official

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies launched a special operation against lawmakers and presidential advisers on Wednesday, hours before a key vote in parliament for a new defence minister ‌aimed at cementing a shake-up by President ⁠Volodymyr Zelensky.

The NABU and SAPO ‌agencies said in a YouTube video the ‌group comprised a deputy head of the presidential office, a former lawmaker, heads of the management and supervisory boards of a state-owned bank and others.

They did not name the individuals, in accordance with Ukrainian law.

The probe ‌poses a fresh headache for Zelensky after ousted defence ⁠chief Mykhailo Fedorovcalled for wartime elections in a bombshell statement late on Tuesday.

Lawmakers were expected to vote on Wednesday on the appointment ‌of Yevhenii Khmara, a former top special forces operative, as Ukraine's new defence minister after weeks of political turmoil over ‌Fedorov's ouster.

His removal had sent thousands of protesters on to the streets in rare wartime protests over the past month demanding that Zelensky reinstate the 35-year-old defence innovator, who is credited with trying to reform the ministry.

The crisis had also forced Zelensky to replace Ukraine's top military commander with the younger Mykhailo Drapatyi, who was backed by protesters for his more troop-friendly approach, which they hope will lessen losses on the front line.

Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have waged a high-profile war against graft while Kyiv's military fights Russia, targeting senior officials ⁠in a campaign they say is critical to preparing for Ukrainian ⁠membership in the European Union.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)