Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday criticized the medical examinations of the Ukrainian army, which he says falls prey to “systematic” corruption. Civilians widely avoid military service by paying bribes or leaving for foreign countries.
Ukraine has recently intensified its anti-corruption campaign, while the country’s armed forces launch a counter-offensive to reclaim territory controlled by Russia. The fight against corruption is an important factor in Ukraine’s attempts to join the European Union.
According to Zelensky, the National Security and Defense Council is analyzing information about fake medical exemptions, kickbacks and departures of conscripts abroad. Investigations are still ongoing.
“There are examples of regions where the number of exemptions from military service due to the decisions of the Medical Commission has increased tenfold since February of last year,” Zelensky said in his daily video address.
According to the president, it concerns bribes ranging between 2,750 and 13,750 euros, paid to officials in different positions in different regions. There should also be a separate analysis of how many people have left Ukraine thanks to medical exemptions.
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