Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed deputy presidential office head Iryna Mudra as a growing corruption investigation puts new pressure on his administration.
The move came on Wednesday after anti-corruption investigators carried out searches linked to an alleged money-laundering scheme. The investigation involves senior officials, lawmakers and banking executives.
According to Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies, around 150 million hryvnias, or about $3.4 million, was moved through a state-owned bank and several accounts. Investigators believe the money was used to help fund bail for a defendant in a major corruption case.
Senior officials targeted in investigation
The Financial Times reported that investigators searched Mudra’s home as part of the operation. Executives at state-owned Sense Bank, justice ministry officials and lawmaker Vadim Stolar were also reportedly targeted.
Mudra previously served as Ukraine’s deputy justice minister. She joined the presidential office in 2024 and became one of the most senior officials connected to the latest investigation.
The probe is also linked to former energy minister Herman Halushchenko. He was charged last year as part of a major corruption investigation.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies have continued to investigate cases involving powerful political figures. As a result, scrutiny of Zelensky’s government has increased.
Political pressure grows on Zelensky
The investigation comes at a difficult political moment for the Ukrainian president.
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was recently removed from his post, called this week for Ukraine to begin preparing for elections. He also criticised the government’s handling of wartime corruption.
Fedorov’s removal had already sparked unusual public protests and raised further questions about Zelensky’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s parliament approved Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior special forces commander, as the country’s new defence minister on Wednesday.
Election debate returns during war
Ukraine has not held national elections since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Elections remain suspended while the country is under martial law.
Zelensky has said he is open to holding elections. However, he argues that voting cannot take place safely while the war continues.
Large parts of Ukraine remain occupied, while millions of citizens are displaced inside the country or living abroad.
The latest corruption investigation, cabinet changes and renewed election debate are now adding to political pressure on Zelensky. At the same time, Ukraine continues to rely on domestic unity and strong Western support as the war continues.
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