Ukraine’s president ran on a promise to clean things up, but critics say his government is cracking down on anti-corruption activists, critics and agencies.

Ukraine’s parliament approved a law that would effectively strip independence from the National Anticorruption Bureau, established in 2015 under U.S. and Western pressure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, from the National Security and Defense Council, raising speculation about an internal power shift.

"Ukraine protects the front line against Russian aggression for all of Europe," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Monday.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that every wave of massive Russian missile attacks is a reminder of the need for greater air defense coverage for Ukraine, as well as the importance of conducting long-range strikes on Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants cease-fire negotiations next week and would be willing to meet directly and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Zelensky aims to shore up relations with Washington and isolate Russia internationally. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.