Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked the country’s chief prosecutor and security service on Sunday night over suspicions of treason by some of their subordinates to benefit the Russians, as an EU meeting to to tighten sanctions against Moscow.
“I have taken the decision to relieve Prosecutor General” Iryna Venediktova, “and the head of the security services” (SBU) Ivan Bakanov from their posts, Zelensky said, as Russia continues its bombardment of several Ukrainian cities.
650 cases of suspected treason
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.
“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.