Ukraine fires head of cyber defense agency

Ukraine has removed two of its cyber defense chiefs, at the same time it announced a corruption investigation at their agency.

Taras Melnychuk, the representative of the cabinet of President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Ukrainian parliament , announced today the decision to dismiss the head of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Defense (SSSCIP) Yuri Shchyhol and his deputy Viktor Zhora.

The reason for this decision and replacement personnel were not disclosed.

SSSCIP is a specialized agency of the Ukrainian government , responsible for ensuring secure communication networks for the government apparatus, maintaining information security, and cyber defense in both peacetime and wartime.

SSSCIP Shchyhol leaders interviewed in September 2023. Photo: Reuters

The dismissals came on the same day that Ukraine’s prosecutor general announced an investigation into officials in the cyber defense sector, in connection with a 2021 case in which six people attempted to embezzle $1.72 million. The identities of the officials under investigation have not been released.

Ukraine has fired a number of government officials over corruption allegations in recent months. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said in August that Ukraine was entering a life-or-death battle with corrupt officials, stressing that the country's survival depended on whether it could "truly eradicate corruption."

President Zelensky had hoped his tough anti-corruption measures would make it easier for partners to support Kiev’s reconstruction efforts, which are expected to cost billions of dollars.

Vu Anh (According to Reuters )

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