Amid Russia shelling, Zelenskyy seeks to strengthen ranks

By SUSIE BLANN
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian shelling across Ukraine is showing no signs of easing. Ukrainian leaders meanwhile are looking to strengthen their own ranks Monday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed some of his most prominent officials because of alleged “poor performance” over clearing their agencies of “collaborators and traitors.” Officials said Ukraine’s Security Service head Ivan Bakanov and Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova will face investigations into their conduct. Zelenskyy appointed acting heads of the two agencies in the meantime. Analysts believe the moves are not surprising and are motivated by Zelenskyy’s bid to strengthen control over the the army and the security agencies.