In the first decision of this kind and a rare indication of internal discord within the Ukrainian front, which has shown cohesion throughout the fighting with Russian forces for over a month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of two senior security officials. In a video address late Thursday, he announced the removal of Head of Internal Security Naumov Andriy Olehovych, as well as the head of the agency's branch in the strategically important Kherson region in southern Ukraine, Kryvoryshko Serhiy Oleksandrovych. "They will be punished gradually."
He stated in his speech, in which he harshly criticized the Russians, calling them monsters, "I do not have time to deal with all the traitors, but they will all be punished gradually," adding that the two men betrayed their oath to defend Ukraine, without providing specific details, according to Reuters. However, his words hinted at the possibility of similar cases emerging in the coming days.
He also emphasized that "officials and high-ranking officers who violate their military loyalty oath to protect the country and its independence will be severely punished and will certainly be deprived of their high military ranks according to Article 48 of the Armed Forces' disciplinary code." He paid tribute to those he described as the real heroes in the security service. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to everyone who honestly defends Ukrainian territory, stating, "There are indeed many heroes among the soldiers… Thank you to them!"
This marks the first time Zelensky has announced the dismissal of a senior defense official in the country. Ukrainian forces, according to Kyiv, have achieved significant successes in resisting Russian forces since the launch of the Russian military operation in Ukraine on February 24. For over a month, the Russians have been unable to control major cities in the country, except for minor incursions in the south, as well as in the east, where many areas are already under the control of pro-Moscow forces.
