Prosecutor General's Resignation Amid Ukraine's Disability Scandal

Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin resigned amid a scandal involving abuse of disability status by officials to avoid military service in Ukraine. Investigations revealed many unjustified disability claims, prompting calls for reform and accountability from President Zelenskiy. Kostin's resignation awaits parliamentary approval.

Amidst a mounting scandal, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has resigned, taking responsibility for the alleged misuse of disability statuses by dozens of officials to avoid military service. This development followed a National Security and Defence Council meeting focusing on eradicating corruption and exploitation of draft deferral loopholes.

The impact of Kostin's resignation on efforts to hold Russia accountable for its invasion is yet uncertain. Allegations surfaced that numerous prosecutors manipulated their positions to obtain false disability statuses. In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy demanded accountability, and Kostin stepped down shortly thereafter, calling the situation "clearly amoral."

The scandal was ignited by a journalist's report about prosecutors in Khmelnytskyi region registered as disabled. As investigations continue, President Zelenskiy has called for urgent legal reforms of the disability assessment system, aiming to dissolve existing medical commissions by the end of 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)