“I have taken the decision to relieve Prosecutor General” Iryna Venediktova, “and the head of the security services” (SBU) Ivan Bakanov from their duties, Mr Zelensky said, as Russia continues its bombardment of several cities Ukrainians. This announcement comes on the eve of an EU meeting aimed at tightening sanctions against Moscow.
Ukrainian authorities are investigating more than 650 cases of suspected treason by local officials, including 60 in areas occupied by Russian and pro-Russian forces, he added in his evening address.
Established links
“Such a large number of crimes against the foundations of national security and the links established between Ukrainian law enforcement officials and Russian special services raise very serious questions for the leaders concerned. Each of these questions will be answered,” he continued.
Ms Venediktova led the investigation into the alleged atrocities committed at the start of the invasion by Russian forces in the town of Boutcha, a suburb north-west of kyiv, which in the eyes of the West has become a symbol of the “crimes of Russian war in Ukraine.
‘Pay full price’
On Monday, European Union foreign ministers will debate tougher sanctions against Moscow, as the successive salvos adopted so far have isolated and hit Russia hard economically, without making it back down or abandoning its invasion. February 24.