**Ukraine’s Military Reverses Mobilization of Former State Tax Chief Accused of Taking Bribes**
The Ukrainian military has canceled an order to draft Roman Nasirov, the former head of the State Fiscal Service who is accused of taking hefty bribes. This decision comes just days after he was mobilized into Ukraine’s Armed Forces amid ongoing court proceedings.
According to Transparency International Ukraine, Nasirov was “voluntarily” mobilized on April 7 at the order of a military unit commander. However, soon after, the brigade commander labeled the order unlawful and canceled it. An internal investigation has been launched on the grounds of possible abuse of power.
Nasirov is accused of receiving $5.5 million in bribes during his tenure as head of the State Fiscal Service from 2015 to 2016. He allegedly received this money for granting fraudulent value-added tax (VAT) refunds to an agricultural holding company. Additionally, he is accused of receiving another 21 million euros ($23 million) for granting illegal VAT refunds.
This move by Ukraine’s military reflects a growing commitment to rooting out corruption within the armed forces. As stated by the Military Law Enforcement Service, “Zero tolerance for corruption is being established within the Armed Forces. Therefore, any steps aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian army will be dealt with severely.”
**Other Developments in Ukraine**
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 85 of the 145 attack and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, according to the Air Force. This is part of an ongoing effort to protect Ukraine’s skies from Russian aggression.
In other news, President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken about potential peacekeeping missions in Ukraine. Ukrainian, French, and British military officials have been discussing requirements for a potential mission to prevent future Russian aggression.
Additionally, the European Union introduced Autonomous Trade Measures on June 4, 2022, providing temporary tariff-free and quota-free access for Ukrainian goods.
**Global Reactions**
The situation in Ukraine has garnered international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that more than 75 countries have approached the U.S. to discuss trade, trade barriers, and tariffs without retaliating against Washington.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted progress made in areas including customs, intellectual property rights, education, information exchange, humanitarian policy, justice, public procurement, and national security.
The EU has also weighed in on the situation, considering U.S. tariffs unjustified and damaging to both sides, as well as the global economy.
**Other News**
Revolut, a London-based digital bank, has suspended registration of new customers in Ukraine due to ongoing tensions with Russia.
Russian soldiers have reduced their daily ammunition usage from 40,000 rounds to around 23,000 following a series of long-range attacks by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian author Yuri Andrukhovych spoke about the dangers faced by pro-Ukrainian artists in Soviet times and the importance of preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
Lastly, President Zelensky expressed optimism about potential ceasefire talks with Russia, stating that “certain time limits will provide opportunities to put pressure on Russia.”