Ukraine’s Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has been dismissed
The country’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, made the announcement in Kyiv on Sunday
Reznikov had led the ministry since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
But in his address, President Zelensky said it was time for “new approaches” in the defence ministry.
Rustem Umerov, who runs Ukraine’s State Property Fund, has been nominated by Zelensky as Reznikov’s successor.
Ukrainian media has speculated that Reznikov will become Kyiv’s new ambassador in London, where he has developed good relations with senior politicians.
The 57-year-old has become a well-known figure since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
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Internationally recognised, he has regularly attended meetings with Ukraine’s Western allies and played a key role in lobbying for additional military equipment.
But his dismissal has been anticipated for some time. Last week, Reznikov told reporters that he was exploring other positions with the Ukrainian president.
According to local media, the former defence minister said if President Zelensky offered the opportunity for him to work on another project, he would probably agree.
Ukrainian defence advisor Yuriy Sak told reporters that Reznikov spearheaded the transformation of the ministry, laying the groundwork for future NATO membership.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
