{
  "id": 2747466,
  "title": "Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government, sacked minister says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/zelensky-has-questions-to-answer-about-corruption-in-his-government",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T08:02:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy4ypzvd7po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly has questions to answer about corruption within his government, according to his former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov, who was sacked last month, contends that a money laundering investigation announced recently raises concerns about Zelensky's knowledge of potential corruption within his inner circle. Fedorov also reiterated his stance that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia's leader, Putin, but refrained from declaring any political ambitions.\n\nFedorov's comments came as weekly protests continued in Kyiv, demanding his reinstatement. He stated that he missed his old job due to the stress of managing Ukraine's war with Russia and reforming its defence ministry. After Fedorov posted a video urging political reform, protests ended, and a replacement for him was confirmed hours later.\n\nUkraine has been under martial law since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, suspending elections. However, Fedorov argued that it is his moral right to initiate a conversation about elections, emphasizing that if elections are not held, Ukraine is no longer a democracy. He criticized the lack of transparency in decision-making within the government and called for an open discussion about the future of the nation.\n\nThe money laundering investigation uncovered a scheme to misappropriate over $3 million to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering. A senior official in Zelensky's office was fired as part of the investigation. Fedorov suggested that Zelensky should answer questions about potential corruption within his inner circle, emphasizing that it is the president's responsibility to disclose whether he was aware of such activities.",
  "summary": "The sacked former defence minister has also called for elections to be held in Ukraine.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov claims Zelensky must answer corruption questions.",
    "Money laundering probe uncovers $3 million misappropriation scheme.",
    "Protests demand Fedorov's reinstatement amid government reform calls."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government, sacked minister says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/zelensky-has-questions-to-answer-about-corruption-in-his-government-2749456",
        "published": "2026-08-23T08:02:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}