On Tuesday, a top adviser, four deputy ministers, and five regional governors resigned from their posts as Ukraine launches a broad anti-corruption drive. The departures come amid reports of bribery claims, officials buying food at inflated prices, and one figure accused of living a lavish lifestyle. A senior aide stated that President Zelensky is responding to a “key public demand” for justice to apply to everyone. The president has also banned state officials from leaving the country unless on authorized business.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the president’s deputy head of office, who oversaw regional policy and had worked on Zelensky’s election campaign, was the first to resign. He was accused by Ukrainian investigative journalists of using several expensive sports cars throughout the war, but denies any wrongdoing. Deputy Defence Minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov also resigned following reports of overseeing the purchase of military food supplies at inflated prices from a relatively unknown firm.

The department called this a “technical mistake” and claimed no money had changed hands. The EU has demanded a crackdown on corruption as a requirement for Ukraine to advance its application to join the bloc. Ukrainian President Zelensky has promised to end corruption and stated that officials who engage in it will face jail. The arrest of a Deputy Infrastructure Minister on suspicion of bribery has further highlighted the need for action.

The head of Zelensky’s party has warned that corrupt officials will be held accountable and that this applies to both past and current scandals. Despite some progress in anti-corruption reforms, Ukraine’s reputation and access to financial aid from Western allies depend on effectively addressing this issue.