Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired the security chief and the state prosecutor on charges of 'treason' and fired another 28 security officials, while Russia continues to shell several Ukrainian cities.
According to the Associated Press, Zelinsky said in a video address on Monday night that an audit of Ukraine's security service personnel was ongoing and that a decision had been made to dismiss 28 more officials.
"The positions and sectors are different but the reason is the same and that is the unsatisfactory results of the work."
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On Sunday, the President of Ukraine fired SBU head Ivan Benakov and State Prosecutor General Ariana Venediktova and announced that cases have been filed against them, including some others.
Andriy Smirnov, the deputy head of Ukraine's presidential office, says, "During this six-month war, the agencies will continue to expose all such people."
Analysts say the Ukrainian president's campaign is aimed at strengthening his control over the military and security agencies, which are led by people who were put in office before February 24.
"In times of war, Zelensky needs a multi-tasking leadership," says political analyst Vladimir Fesenko. In addition to countering Russia's conspiracies, he could create communication and coordination with international experts.
According to the report, Bikanov is a childhood friend of Zelenskiy's former business partner and was appointed chief of the security service through him, but has come under fire for security issues since the start of the war.
While the former state prosecutor was internationally acclaimed for gathering evidence of war crimes against high-ranking military officials, including Russian President Putin, which involved the destruction of cities and the targeting of civilians.
In Washington, US State Department spokesman Ned Price, when asked about the change of officials in Ukraine, said, "The reality is that this relationship, like any of our relationships, is not limited to personalities, while Zelenskiy has taken these steps." The justifications have also been presented.'
According to him, "Washington will continue to work with Kiev in the investigation of war crimes."
The President of Ukraine has appointed a deputy chief of security. 39-year-old Vasil Meluk is known for his anti-corruption initiatives in security agencies.
His appointment is seen as an attempt to get rid of pro-Russian officials in the security agencies.
On the other hand, Ukraine's emergency services say that at least six people have been killed in attacks on the city of Tortsk by the Russian army on Monday.
The city of Doretsk in the Donetsk region was captured by Russia a few days after the attack, but was recaptured by Ukrainian forces a few days later.
Keep in mind that on February 24 this year, Russia attacked the neighboring country of Ukraine, since then the fighting has continued and thousands of people have been killed.
