Zelensky dismissed his deputy the same day NABU announced an operation
President Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed his recent decision to dismiss Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, amid ongoing corruption allegations involving high-ranking officials. This dismissal coincided with a special operation announced by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU).
Zelensky emphasized that he does not possess any more details about Mudra than what has been reported by the media. However, he expressed confidence that the information at hand was sufficient for him to act promptly. “What I know was enough to respond on the very first day of this case—immediately after the searches. There were enough details to dismiss her,” he stated.
He noted that he learned about certain behaviors, whether real or potential, around the same time as journalists, making it inappropriate for him to discuss them further. The president reiterated that the information disclosed in this case justified his decision to dismiss not only Mudra but also another individual within the department.
“Should there be additional information, we will react accordingly,” Zelensky added.
Context
- On August 19, NABU announced a joint operation with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) aimed at uncovering a criminal organization associated with current and former members of the Ukrainian parliament, involving high-ranking officials from the Office of the President and others. The operation has been named “Forest Gump.”
- According to law enforcement, a group facilitated the legalization of 150 million UAH obtained through illicit means, utilizing the state bank A.T. Sense Bank and accounts tied to controlled enterprises. NABU also released audio recordings related to Mudra and the bank’s alleged protection.
- Reports have indicated that among those implicated in the investigation are Vadym Stolar, a member of the parliamentary group “Restoration of Ukraine,” former MP Maksym Mykyta, and Mudra herself, who has already been dismissed by Zelensky.
- On August 21, the High Anti-Corruption Court began considering a request for a preventive measure against Mudra, which was ultimately not imposed due to the risk of a planned escape.
- Mudra has publicly denied any involvement with the criminal organization following the first hearing of the High Anti-Corruption Court.
