Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday evening, the 3rd of September, the dismissal of Oleksiy Reznikov, the country’s defence minister who held the post before the Russian invasion in February 2022, reports BBC.
President Zelensky said there is need for a “new approach” in the defence ministry, as well as the need for “other formats for interaction with the army and with society in general”.
Rustem Umerov, head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, was appointed as Reznikov’s replacement.
There is speculation in the Ukrainian media that Oleksiy Reznikov could become Ukrainian Ambassador in London, given his good relations with UK politicians.
Reznikov, an internationally well-known figure, has been active with the Western allies since the start of the war and has argued for more military support. His dismissal had been expected, but local media reported that Reznikov was ready to work with Zelensky in other projects.
Ukraine’s Defence Adviser Yuriy Sak praised Reznikov for modernising the Ministry of Defence and for contributing to the preparations for NATO membership.
However, the cabinet reshuffle is not expected to change Ukraine’s combat strategy while General Valery Zaluzhny is in charge.
Reznikov was dismissed at a time when President Zelensky, through his anti-corruption efforts, is trying to strengthen Ukraine’s ties with Western institutions. Reznikov, although not personally involved in corruption, faced scandals over inflated army procurement prices.
Reznikov’s dismissal also coincides with Ukraine’s ongoing counter-offensive, made possible by advanced weapons from the West. Progress has been slow, but Ukrainian forces recently achieved a breakthrough in the south against Russian defences.
Read also: Ukraine’s success on the southern front could pave the way to Crimea