Zelenskyy urges appointment of a fresh defense minister, emphasizes Ukraine’s requirement for innovative strategies in light of the counteroffensive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday announced a major shake-up at the highest levels of his government, outlining plans to oust Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov just as Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia’s invading army begins to gain steam.
Mr. Zelenskyy expressed in a recorded message that he believes Ukrainian legislator Rustem Umerov is the suitable candidate for the position of defense minister, and he anticipates the support of Ukrainian lawmakers for this decision.
“I have made the decision to appoint a new minister of defense for Ukraine,” stated Mr. Zelenskyy. “Oleksii Reznikov has endured over 550 days of intense warfare. I am of the opinion that the ministry requires fresh strategies and alternative methods of engagement with both the armed forces and the general public. Therefore, I have chosen Rustem Umerov to assume leadership of the ministry.”
“I believe there is no need for further introductions regarding Mr. Umerov. I anticipate that the parliament will provide their support to this candidate,” expressed Mr. Zelenskyy.
Both the dismissal of Mr. Reznikov and his replacement by Mr. Umerov require consent from Ukraine’s parliament.
Mr. Umerov, 41, is a politician with the opposition Holos party and has served as head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine since September 2022.
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He played a key role in negotiations with the Kremlin that resulted in a 2022 deal allowing the export of grain and other food from Ukrainian ports, helping to avert a significant global food crisis.
Mr. Zelenskyy provided limited information regarding the specific reasons behind his decision to implement the change, which occurs during a critical period for the Ukrainian military’s counteroffensive.
Mr. Reznikov’s removal occurs amidst a scandal within the Defense Ministry concerning the recent acquisition of military jackets.
Last month, Ukrainian investigative journalists reported that about 4,900 jackets were purchased at a price roughly three times higher than normal. And instead of winter jackets, summer jackets were ordered. In the customs documents from the supplier, the jackets were priced at $29 per unit, but the Ministry of Defense reportedly paid $86 per unit, raising questions about where that additional money may have gone.
According to the Kyiv Post, Mr. Reznikov refuted any claims of wrongdoing during a recent press conference and indicated that there might be a difference in pricing from the supplier’s end.
This article relies partially on information from wire service reports.
