Ukrainian President Zelenskyj criticizes officials who shirk their duties in the country’s war effort

Kyiv (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted Wednesday that he would crack down on officials he believes are failing to fulfill their duties in Ukraine. War with Russia, which is now in its third year.

Selenskyj and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj visited troops in the east of the Donetsk region, which heavy Russian ground and air attacks in recent months. They also spoke with local authorities about drinking water supplies, social issues, evacuation plans and the reconstruction of local houses, said Zelensky.

He added that in Kyiv he would speak to “representatives who need to be close to the front line here and in other areas – in difficult communities where people need immediate solutions.”

“I was surprised to learn that some of the relevant officials have not been here for six months or more,” Zelensky said. “There will be a serious conversation and I will draw appropriate conclusions from it.”

Selenskyj has frequently visited Front areas during the war.

He said his purpose for traveling to Donetsk region was to introduce the new commander of the Joint Forces Command, Andriy Hnatov.

Hnatov replaced Yurii Sodol, who had held the position since February 2023.

Zelensky did not give a reason for the change, but it came after the widely admired chief of staff of the Azov Regiment, Bohdan Krotevych, issued a statement criticizing an unnamed general for “killing more Ukrainian soldiers than any Russian general,” which was interpreted as a reference to incompetent troop leadership.

Several Ukrainian media outlets, citing unnamed sources in the armed forces, reported that he was referring to Sodol.

Before Zelensky’s visit, Russian forces dropped a heavy glide bomb on the Donetsk town of Selydove, causing severe damage to 37 houses, six multi-storey buildings and administrative infrastructure, regional authorities said on Wednesday. No injuries were reported.

Over the past 24 hours, the Russian military has shelled 20 settlements in the Donetsk region, killing one person and wounding at least nine, said regional chief Vadym Filashkin.

Since Tuesday, around 250 people have been evacuated from their homes in the Donetsk region, officials said.

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