Latest news with #Anti-CorruptionActionCenter
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Didn't Zelensky impose a ban on talks with Putin? Not really
President Volodymyr Zelensky's willingness to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in Istanbul sparked a question over whether such a move contradicts his earlier decree. In the fall of 2022, Zelensky signed a decree that "stated the impossibility of holding negotiations with Russian President Putin," as a response to Russia's illegal annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, parts of which Moscow didn't even control. "He (Putin) does not know what dignity and honesty are. We are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with a different president of Russia," Zelensky said at the time. Moscow has cited Zelensky's decree as a ban on talks with Putin and used it as an excuse for avoiding direct talks with Kyiv. Putin has also falsely claimed that Zelensky lacks legitimacy and can't represent Ukraine. Putin said that such talks would be considered "illegitimate" and therefore "their outcomes could also be declared illegitimate." Now, Putin himself said that he's open to direct talks with Ukraine. According to a source in Ukraine's president's office, the decree was a "signal to those in Ukraine who wanted to speak (to Russians) bypassing the central government." "Back then we stated the impossibility, now we can state the possibility, the president as the head of state determines this," the source added. "There is no ban as such, the Russians twisted it." Read also: 'Like a game of tennis' — Russia, Ukraine court Trump to avoid being blamed for peace talks failure The decree concerning negotiations with Putin was a response to the five decisions approved by the National Security and Defense Council adopted on Sept. 30, 2022. Days later, the document was signed by Zelensky. Although the decree does not explicitly mention a ban on holding talks, many have seen it as a de facto ban on direct talks with Putin. "The constitution clearly says that he (the president) negotiates. That is, he decides with whom to negotiate, when to negotiate, and in what format." Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, Oleksandr Merezhko, told the Kyiv Independent that the problem lies in the interpretation of the decree. "This has given rise to false interpretations. The fact that the president allegedly forbade himself from communicating with Putin. No, that's illogical," he said. According to Ukraine's constitution, the president represents the state in international relations, manages foreign policy, and negotiates and concludes international treaties on behalf of Ukraine. "The constitution is always above a presidential decree," Merezhko said. "The constitution clearly says that he (the president) negotiates. That is, he decides with whom to negotiate, when to negotiate, and in what format," he added. "The decree was aimed at preventing attempts and prohibiting others from conducting any negotiations with Putin." Tetiana Shevchuk, a lawyer with the Anti-Corruption Action Center in Kyiv, said that Ukrainian law does not require such a decree. Zelensky himself has committed extensively on his 2022 decree. In January, Zelensky said that such a move was made to prevent any unauthorized talks with Russia that might involve Ukrainian politicians. According to the president, Putin rapidly began establishing "a large number of different channels" aimed at influencing Ukraine, together with "separatists" and "representatives of other countries." "There were many negotiation processes, many shadow dealings. I stopped it quickly. I just stopped separatism in our country," Zelensky added. At the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia also sought to pressure Ukrainian lawmakers, European officials, and the U.S., he said. Without specifying names, the president said that those involved in the behind-the-scenes efforts were later arrested and exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs). Presumably, Zelensky referred to Viktor Medvedchuk, the pro-Kremlin politician who was arrested and sent to Russia amid a prisoner swap in September 2022. People who spoke to the Kyiv Independent said there are no legal barriers and that Zelensky doesn't have to revoke the decree or make amendments to it. "This ban applies to others. Therefore, I see no need to cancel this decree," Merezhko said. Asked whether there should be a new decree lifting the ban on talks with Putin, the source close to the president replied that there's no need for this. Read also: 'Not what Putin was expecting' — What we know (and don't know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Los Angeles Times
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Western officials warn Ukraine over weapons procurement dispute
KYIV, Ukraine — Western officials have warned Ukraine that an escalating rift between the defense minister and procurement chief may jeopardize trust in the country and urged the government to resolve the situation quickly so as not to disrupt weapons supplies. The conflict began last week when the Defense Procurement Agency's board unanimously voted to extend director Maryna Bezrukova's contract for another year. However, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov overruled the decision, refusing to renew her contract. He accused her of poor performance and failing to deliver weapons and ammunition to front-line troops. The decision provoked an outcry from lawmakers and anti-corruption watchdogs who said the minister's move was illegal because Bezrukova had her contract extended by the agency's supervisory board in January. They also came to Bezrukova's defense, saying she has been instrumental in creating greater transparency and reforms within the DPA, which has long faced corruption allegations. Under Ukrainian law, Umerov's decision to go ahead with her dismissal is illegal. The incident comes at a politically sensitive time for Ukraine as the country's leadership is eagerly watching the Trump administration's next moves, and as Ukrainian troops continue to face challenges in holding the line in the east amid fierce Russian attacks. In a statement posted Monday on social media platform X, the ambassadors representing Group of 7 nations urged the government to resolve the situation 'expeditiously and focus on keeping defense procurement going.' 'Consistency with good governance principles and NATO recommendations is important to maintain the trust of the public and international partners,' they said. Following Umerov's decision, the Anti-Corruption Action Center filed a complaint urging the National Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate him for alleged abuse of power. Local media reported that NABU opened proceedings against Umerov at the Anti-Corruption Action Center's request. Anastasiia Radina, a lawmaker and head of the Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy, called for Umerov's dismissal, a decision that ultimately will fall to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 'What I see as a parliamentarian and as an observer is that his actions do not strengthen the agency and its independence. And that is just unacceptable for a country at war,' she told the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone barrages overnight in an attempt to strike deeper into their enemy's territory. The Russian military said Wednesday it intercepted and destroyed 104 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions in one of the biggest drone attacks on Russia this year. No casualties or significant damage was reported. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 57 Shahed and other drones overnight. Moscow also attacked with missiles overnight. In southern Mykolaiv, a Russian ballistic missile struck a food factory Tuesday night, killing two female workers, regional head Vitalii Kim said. Odesa authorities said Russian drones attacked port infrastructure in the Ismail district of the region that borders NATO member Romania. Romania's Ministry of National Defense said two F-16 fighter jets were dispatched at 3:20 a.m. to monitor airspace for about two hours, and emergency authorities issued text alerts to some residents living in Tulcea county, which is across the Danube river near Ukrainian ports. The ministry condemned the Russian attacks, calling them 'unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law,' and said NATO allies have been informed. Since the war next door started in February 2022, Romania has reported multiple airspace violations and confirmed drone fragments in its territory on several occasions. Arhirova and Kullab write for the Associated Press. Associated Press reporter Stephen McGrath in Sighisoara, Romania, contributed to this report.
Nahar Net
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Western officials warn Ukraine over weapons procurement dispute
by Naharnet Newsdesk 29 January 2025, 17:33 Western officials have warned Ukraine that an escalating rift between the defense minister and procurement chief may jeopardize trust in the country and urged the government to resolve the situation quickly so as not to disrupt weapons supplies. The conflict began last week when the Defense Procurement Agency's board unanimously voted to extend director Maryna Bezrukova's contract for another year. However, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov overruled the decision, refusing to renew her contract. He accused her of poor performance and failing to deliver weapons and ammunition to front-line troops. The decision provoked an outcry from lawmakers and anti-corruption watchdogs who said the minister's move was illegal because Bezrukova had her contract extended by the agency's supervisory board in January. They also came to Bezrukova's defense, saying she has been instrumental in creating greater transparency and reforms within the DPA, which has long faced corruption allegations. Under Ukrainian law, Umerov's decision to go ahead with her dismissal is illegal. The incident comes at a politically sensitive time for Ukraine as the country's leadership is eagerly watching the Trump administration's next moves, and as Ukrainian troops continue to face challenges in holding the line in the east amid fierce Russian attacks. In a statement posted Monday on social media platform X, the ambassadors representing Group of Seven nations urged the government to resolve the situation "expeditiously and focus on keeping defense procurement going." "Consistency with good governance principles and NATO recommendations is important to maintain the trust of the public and international partners," they said. Following Umerov's decision, the Anti-Corruption Action Center filed a complaint urging the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to investigate him for alleged abuse of power. Local media reported that NABU opened proceedings against Umerov at the Anti-Corruption Action Center's request. Anastasiia Radina, a lawmaker and head of the Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy, called for Umerov's dismissal, a decision that ultimately will fall to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "What I see as a parliamentarian and as an observer is that his actions do not strengthen the agency and its independence. And that is just unacceptable for a country at war," she told The Associated Press. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone barrages overnight in an attempt to strike deeper into their enemy's territory. The Russian military said Wednesday it intercepted and destroyed 104 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions in one of the biggest drone attacks on Russia this year. No casualties or significant damage was reported. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 57 Shahed and other drones overnight. Moscow also attacked with missiles overnight. In southern Mykolaiv, a Russian ballistic missile struck a food enterprise Tuesday night, killing two female workers, regional head Vitalii Kim said. Odesa authorities said Russian drones attacked port infrastructure in the Ismail district of the region that borders NATO member Romania Romania's Ministry of National Defense said two F-16 fighter jets were dispatched at 3:20 a.m. to monitor airspace for about two hours, and emergency authorities issued text alerts to some residents living in Tulcea county, which is across the Danube river near Ukrainian ports. The ministry condemned the Russian attacks, calling them "unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law," and said NATO allies have been informed. Since the war next door started in February 2022, Romania has reported multiple airspace violations and confirmed drone fragments in its territory on several occasions.
The Hill
29-01-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Western officials warn Ukraine over weapons procurement dispute
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Western officials have warned Ukraine that an escalating rift between the defense minister and procurement chief may jeopardize trust in the country and urged the government to resolve the situation quickly so as not to disrupt weapons supplies. The conflict began last week when the Defense Procurement Agency's board unanimously voted to extend director Maryna Bezrukova's contract for another year. However, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov overruled the decision, refusing to renew her contract. He accused her of poor performance and failing to deliver weapons and ammunition to front-line troops. The decision provoked an outcry from lawmakers and anti-corruption watchdogs who said the minister's move was not legal because Bezrukova had her contract extended by the agency's supervisory board in January. Under Ukrainian law, Umerov's decision to go ahead with her dismissal is illegal. The rift comes as U.S. support for Ukraine is in question under the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. In a statement posted Monday on social media platform X, the ambassadors representing Group of Seven nations urged the government to resolve the situation 'expeditiously and focus on keeping defense procurement going.' 'Consistency with good governance principles and NATO recommendations is important to maintain the trust of the public and international partners,' they said. Following Umerov's decision, the Anti-Corruption Action Center filed a complaint urging the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to investigate him for alleged abuse of power. Local media reported that NABU opened proceedings against Umerov at the Anti-Corruption Action Center's request. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone barrages overnight in an attempt to strike deeper into their enemy's territory. The Russian military said Wednesday it intercepted and destroyed 104 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions in one of the biggest drone attacks on Russia this year. No casualties or significant damage was reported. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 57 Shahed and other drones overnight. Moscow also attacked with missiles overnight. In southern Mykolaiv, a Russian ballistic missile struck a food enterprise Tuesday night, killing two female workers, regional head Vitalii Kim said. Odesa authorities said Russian drones attacked port infrastructure in the Ismail district of the region that borders NATO member Romania Romania's Ministry of National Defense said two F-16 fighter jets were dispatched at 3:20 a.m. to monitor airspace for about two hours, and emergency authorities issued text alerts to some residents living in Tulcea county, which is across the Danube river near Ukrainian ports. The ministry condemned the Russian attacks, calling them 'unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law,' and said NATO allies have been informed. Since the war next door started in February 2022, Romania has reported multiple airspace violations and confirmed drone fragments in its territory on several occasions.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Western officials warn Ukraine over weapons procurement dispute
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Western officials have warned Ukraine that an escalating rift between the defense minister and procurement chief may jeopardize trust in the country and urged the government to resolve the situation quickly so as not to disrupt weapons supplies. The conflict began last week when the Defense Procurement Agency's board unanimously voted to extend director Maryna Bezrukova's contract for another year. However, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov overruled the decision, refusing to renew her contract. He accused her of poor performance and failing to deliver weapons and ammunition to front-line troops. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. The decision provoked an outcry from lawmakers and anti-corruption watchdogs who said the minister's move was not legal because Bezrukova had her contract extended by the agency's supervisory board in January. Under Ukrainian law, Umerov's decision to go ahead with her dismissal is illegal. The rift comes as U.S. support for Ukraine is in question under the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. In a statement posted Monday on social media platform X, the ambassadors representing Group of Seven nations urged the government to resolve the situation 'expeditiously and focus on keeping defense procurement going.' 'Consistency with good governance principles and NATO recommendations is important to maintain the trust of the public and international partners,' they said. Following Umerov's decision, the Anti-Corruption Action Center filed a complaint urging the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to investigate him for alleged abuse of power. Local media reported that NABU opened proceedings against Umerov at the Anti-Corruption Action Center's request. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone barrages overnight in an attempt to strike deeper into their enemy's territory. The Russian military said Wednesday it intercepted and destroyed 104 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions in one of the biggest drone attacks on Russia this year. No casualties or significant damage was reported. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 57 Shahed and other drones overnight. Moscow also attacked with missiles overnight. In southern Mykolaiv, a Russian ballistic missile struck a food enterprise Tuesday night, killing two female workers, regional head Vitalii Kim said. Odesa authorities said Russian drones attacked port infrastructure in the Ismail district of the region that borders NATO member Romania Romania's Ministry of National Defense said two F-16 fighter jets were dispatched at 3:20 a.m. to monitor airspace for about two hours, and emergency authorities issued text alerts to some residents living in Tulcea county, which is across the Danube river near Ukrainian ports. The ministry condemned the Russian attacks, calling them 'unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law,' and said NATO allies have been informed. Since the war next door started in February 2022, Romania has reported multiple airspace violations and confirmed drone fragments in its territory on several occasions.
