Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies uncover alleged money-laundering group linked to presidential official

Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies NABU and SAPO released a video statement on Wednesday announcing a special operation targeting a group of lawmakers and presidential advisers allegedly involved in money laundering. In line with Ukrainian law, the agencies did not disclose the names of those implicated.

According to the agencies, the group includes a deputy head of the presidential office, a former member of parliament, and the heads of the management and supervisory boards of a state-owned bank, among others.

A tense political backdrop

The investigation was launched just hours before lawmakers were due to vote on the appointment of Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior special forces operative, as Ukraine's new defence minister. The move is part of a broader government reshuffle led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The appointment follows weeks of political turmoil triggered by the removal of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who is credited with pushing reforms within the ministry. His ouster sparked rare wartime street protests, with thousands demanding his reinstatement.

Late on Tuesday, Fedorov made a surprise call for wartime presidential elections, adding further political pressure on Zelensky.

The crisis also prompted Zelensky to replace Ukraine's top military commander with the younger Mykhailo Drapatyi, who is backed by protesters for what they see as a more troop-friendly approach that could help reduce losses on the front line.

Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies have maintained a high-profile campaign against graft among senior officials even during wartime, describing the effort as essential to the country's path toward European Union membership.