Amid Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian troops that invaded the country more than a year and a half ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a “surprising decision” to take a step Oleksi Reznikov, previously the country’s defense minister, could be impeached to appoint Rustem Umerov in his place.
“This week Parliament will be asked to make a decision and I want to push it forward now: I have decided to replace Ukraine’s defense minister,” Zelenskyy said in his usual evening speech.
The Ukrainian head of state wanted to remind us of this Reznikov has headed the Defense Ministry in a ‘big war’ for more than 550 daysand that his decision was due to the fact that “the ministry needs new approaches and different formats of interaction with both the military and society as a whole.” “Rustem Umerov should head the Ministry. The Verkhovna Rada (parliament) knows this person well and Mr. Umerov needs no introduction. I hope that Parliament will support this candidate.” has added.
Reznikov was at the center of a deal and takeover corruption scandal in January 2023. At the time there was speculation about his possible impeachment, although he held out and no further details were given. However, as the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports, a few weeks ago there was again talk of Reznikov’s possible departure and his appointment as ambassador to the United Kingdom.