Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his defense minister Oleksii Reznikov citing the need for “new approaches” as the war with Russia enters its 19th month. Reznikov had led the ministry since before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The dismissal of Reznikov comes amid a number of corruption scandals involving Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. Zelensky has said rooting out corruption across Ukraine’s government is vital to Kyiv’s chances of attaining long-awaited membership in NATO and the European Union. According to a 2021 report by Transparency International, Ukraine is the second most corrupt country in Europe after Russia. Globally, it ranked 122nd of 180 countries.
The president nominated Rustem Umerov, the former people’s deputy of Ukraine, to become the new defense minister. “The Verkhovna Rada (legislature) of Ukraine knows this person well, and Mr. Umerov does not need any additional introductions,” Zelensky said. “I expect parliament to support this candidate.”
The dismissal of Reznikov and appointment of Umerov comes as Ukraine continues to fight against Russian-backed separatists in its eastern Donbas region. The conflict began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and has since claimed over 13,000 lives.
The move also comes as Ukraine seeks to join NATO and the European Union. Zelensky has made rooting out corruption a key part of his agenda since taking office in 2019.
In conclusion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced his defense minister Oleksii Reznikov citing the need for “new approaches” as the war with Russia enters its 19th month. The move comes amid a number of corruption scandals involving Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and as Ukraine seeks to join NATO and the European Union.
