Ukrainian President Zelensky Proposes Replacement for Defense Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a significant shakeup within his administration, revealing plans to replace Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov. In a video address to the nation on Sunday, President Zelensky disclosed his intention to put forward Rustem Umerov, the current head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, as the candidate for the position. The decision will be presented for consideration in Ukraine’s parliament next week.

President Zelensky justified his decision by emphasizing the need for “new approaches and new formats of interaction” within the Defense Ministry, highlighting the importance of improved collaboration between the military and society as a whole. Umerov, described as “well-known” to the parliament, was introduced by Zelensky as a candidate poised to meet these requirements.

“I expect the parliament to support this candidacy,” Zelensky asserted in his video address, underscoring his confidence in Umerov’s ability to lead the Defense Ministry effectively.

Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian businessman of Crimean Tatar origin, assumed leadership of the State Property Fund in the previous autumn. Prior to this role, he served as an adviser to Mustafa Dzhemilev, the former chair of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People. It is important to note that the Mejlis, an organization advocating for the rights of Crimean Tatars, has been banned in Russia since 2016 due to allegations of extremist activities and ties to other extremist and terrorist groups.

The impending replacement of Defense Minister Reznikov had been the subject of widespread speculation in recent weeks, with several potential successors, including Umerov, circulating in the media. Reports indicated that individuals such as Infrastructure Minister Aleksandr Kubrakov and Strategic Industries Minister Aleksandr Kamyshin had been approached for the position but had declined the offers.

A crucial factor contributing to Reznikov’s removal appears to be a series of corruption scandals that have plagued his tenure since assuming office in November 2021, just before the eruption of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These scandals primarily revolved around the procurement of military equipment and food supplies for the Ukrainian military at prices that were deemed excessively inflated.

As Ukraine anticipates potential changes at the helm of its Defense Ministry, the nation awaits the deliberation and decision of its parliament regarding the appointment of Rustem Umerov. The appointment holds significant implications for Ukraine’s defense and the ongoing efforts to maintain stability in the region.