Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Ukraine anti-corruption probe precedes pivotal defence minister vote
Ukraine was preparing to choose a new defence minister.
Lawmakers were expected to vote on Yevhenii Khmara.
Before the vote, Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies began an operation involving lawmakers and advisers to the president.
The agencies did not explain the operation in detail.
The government shake-up has caused political trouble for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Many protesters wanted former defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov to return.
They said he had worked to improve the defence ministry.
The anti-corruption agencies said fighting corruption was important as Ukraine seeks closer ties with the European Union.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies launched a special operation targeting lawmakers and presidential advisers.
The operation came hours before parliament was expected to vote on Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister.
The vote was intended to advance President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s government and military shake-up.
The removal of Mykhailo Fedorov triggered rare wartime protests demanding his reinstatement.
The agencies said their anti-graft campaign was important for Ukraine’s potential European Union membership.
- Who
- Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, lawmakers, presidential advisers, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Yevhenii Khmara and former defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov.
- What
- The anti-corruption agencies launched a special operation before parliament’s expected vote on a new defence minister.
- When
- Wednesday, August 19, shortly before the expected parliamentary vote.
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine, including Ukraine’s parliament.
- Why
- The vote was intended to advance Zelenskiy’s defence and military shake-up, while the agencies said their anti-graft campaign was important for preparing for potential European Union membership.
Protesters and Fedorov supporters
Zelenskiy’s government and reform plans
Defence leadership
Protesters and Fedorov supporters
Protesters demanded that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated, crediting him with trying to reform the defence ministry.
Zelenskiy’s government and reform plans
Zelenskiy proceeded with a leadership shake-up and sought parliamentary approval for Yevhenii Khmara as the new defence minister.
Military command changes
Protesters and Fedorov supporters
Protesters backed the younger military commander Mykhailo Drapatyi because they viewed him as more troop-friendly and hoped he would reduce front-line losses.
Zelenskiy’s government and reform plans
The government replaced Ukraine’s top military commander as part of the broader military shake-up.
Political stability
Protesters and Fedorov supporters
The ouster led to rare wartime protests and criticism of the government’s decisions.
Zelenskiy’s government and reform plans
The planned vote was presented as a way to cement Zelenskiy’s restructuring during the war.
- Expected nominee
- Yevhenii Khmara, described as a former top special forces operative.
- Former defence chief
- Mykhailo Fedorov, whose removal sparked protests.
- Anti-corruption agencies
- NABU and SAPO.
- Target of operation
- Lawmakers and presidential advisers.
- Political context
- The operation occurred during a month-long crisis over Fedorov’s ouster.
- Public response
- Thousands of protesters called for Fedorov’s reinstatement.
- European Union link
- The agencies said their anti-graft campaign was critical to preparing for Ukrainian EU membership.