Ukraine "fires" 6 deputy defense ministers at the same time

AP news agency quoted the Ukrainian government representative in parliament Taras Melnychuk as saying that three of the six deputy defense ministers fired were Hanna Maliar, Vitalii Deyneha and Denys Sharapov. Mr. Melnychuk did not explain the reason for their dismissal.

The move comes as Kiev is reportedly investigating allegations of corruption in the military related to the purchase of military equipment.

Ms. Hanna Maliar. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Earlier in September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov over the purchase of military jackets at "three times the cost." Mr. Reznikov denied the "corruption" allegations but agreed to resign.

Ukraine has fired six deputy defense ministers as fighting continues in the east of the country. The Ukrainian military announced on September 17 that it had recaptured the village of Klishchiivka from Russian forces after months of fierce fighting.

Before her dismissal, Ms. Maliar said in a briefing on September 18 that Russian forces were trying to regain areas lost to the Ukrainian army and Kiev had to hold out in the recaptured areas.

The village of Klishchiivka is considered a strategic location, allowing the Ukrainian army to continue expanding its advantage around the city of Bakhmut.

Over the past 24 hours, Russia has said it used missiles and drones to intercept missiles and target depleted uranium. The Russian Defense Ministry did not provide details of the attacks.

In contrast, Ukraine confirmed that it had intercepted all 17 cruise missiles launched by Russia and 18/24 Shahed drones in the Mykolaiv and Odesa regions, southern Ukraine, on the morning of September 18 (local time).

Pham Nghia

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/ukraine-tram-6-thu-truong-quoc-phong-cung-luc-20230918204001849.htm