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// DOSSIER — zelenskyy-fires-deputy-chief-mudra-anti-corruption-raids
President Zelenskyy Fires Deputy Chief Iryna Mudra Amid Anti-Corruption Raids and Election Demands
REL_TIME: 21 Aug 2026 00:12Z · LANG: EN
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a decree dismissing Iryna Mudra, deputy head of the presidential office, following home searches and a 150 million hryvnia ($3.4 million) money-laundering investigation launched by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The probe, code-named 'Forrest Gump,' alleges funds were laundered to post bail for a defendant in a state nuclear power company graft case. The political turmoil comes immediately after ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov publicly demanded wartime elections and criticized governance corruption, even as parliament approved Maj. Gen. Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister.
// Background
Ukraine's government has experienced multiple corruption investigations targeting top leadership, including the resignation and arrest of former chief of staff Andriy Yermak. While European allies press Kyiv to root out graft for EU accession consideration, Ukraine's constitution bars holding national elections during active martial law, creating political friction as Zelenskyy's original term expired in 2024.
// Key Developments
- President Zelenskyy dismissed deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra after her office and premises were searched in a money-laundering probe.
- NABU and SAPO launched operation 'Forrest Gump,' investigating a scheme involving presidential administration staff, MPs, and bank executives to launder 150 million hryvnias.
- Ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov issued a public demand for wartime elections and systemic anti-corruption reforms.
- Ukraine's parliament confirmed Maj. Gen. Yevhenii Khmara as the new Defense Minister and retained Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
- The ongoing political disruption coincides with active frontline hostilities, deep-strike drone attacks on Russian refineries, and a 103-prisoner POW exchange.
// Timeline
-
Anti-corruption court orders the arrest of former administration chief Andriy Yermak on money-laundering charges.
-
Zelenskyy fires Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, sparking public protests.
-
Ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov releases a video calling for wartime democratic elections.
-
Zelenskyy dismisses Iryna Mudra following NABU searches under operation 'Forrest Gump'; parliament confirms Maj. Gen. Yevhenii Khmara as Defense Minister.
// Perspectives
[National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) / SAPO]
Actively investigating high-level administration officials, lawmakers, and state bank executives for alleged money laundering.
[Mykhailo Fedorov (Former Defense Minister)]
Critical of current state governance and corruption, demanding legal avenues to conduct national elections during martial law.
[President Volodymyr Zelenskyy]
Enforcing official dismissals of targeted aides while maintaining that elections cannot be held under wartime martial law.
[European Union]
Views persistent institutional corruption as a key barrier to Ukraine's accession to the EU.
// Quotes
“We must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amid a prolonged war.”
“Only a moron would register stolen money and tuition payments in his own children’s names.”
“Iryna Mudra shall be dismissed from the post of deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.”
