Zelenskyy calls for brand new protection minister, says Ukraine wants ‘new approaches’ amid counteroffensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday introduced a serious shake-up on the highest ranges of his authorities, outlining plans to oust Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov simply as Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive towards Russia’s invading military begins to realize steam.

In a video deal with, Mr. Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukrainian lawmaker Rustem Umerov ought to be the nation’s new protection minister and he mentioned he expects Ukrainian lawmakers to again the change.

“I have decided to replace the minister of defense of Ukraine,” Mr. Zelenskyy mentioned. “Oleksii Reznikov has gone through more than 550 days of full-scale war. I believe that the ministry needs new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society at large. Now, Rustem Umerov should lead the ministry.”

“Mr. Umerov does not need any additional introductions. I expect the parliament to support this candidate,” Mr. Zelenskyy mentioned.

Both the dismissal of Mr. Reznikov and his substitute by Mr. Umerov require consent from Ukraine’s parliament.

Mr. Umerov, 41, is a politician with the opposition Holos get together and has served as head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine since September 2022.

He performed a key function in negotiations with the Kremlin that resulted in a 2022 deal permitting the export of grain and different meals from Ukrainian ports, serving to to avert a major international meals disaster.

Mr. Zelenskyy supplied little element about precisely why he determined to make the change, which takes place at a vital second for the Ukrainian army’s counteroffensive.

The ouster of Mr. Reznikov comes amid a scandal throughout the Defense Ministry associated to the latest buy of army jackets.

Last month, Ukrainian investigative journalists reported that about 4,900 jackets have been bought at a worth roughly 3 times larger than regular. And as a substitute of winter jackets, summer time jackets have been ordered. In the customs paperwork from the provider, the jackets have been priced at $29 per unit, however the Ministry of Defense reportedly paid $86 per unit, elevating questions on the place that extra cash might have gone.

Mr. Reznikov denied any allegations of impropriety throughout a information convention final week and urged there was a worth discrepancy on the provider’s facet, the Kyiv Post reported.