Kiev: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removed the defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov and nominated Rustem Umerov, as he said the ministry required “new approaches” amid intensifying the Russia-Ukraine war.
The decision comes after there were several reports of rampant corruption in the higher ranks of the ministry and the military officers alongside the slow-moving counteroffensive against Russia.
The deposed minister Reznikov was very vocal about Western military aid and led his country in negotiations aimed at acquiring advanced weaponry.
Reznikov was given the responsibilities of the ministry just three months before Russia commenced its special military operation against Ukraine.
Oleksiy Reznikov’s replacement was announced in a video message by Volodymyr Zelensky amid reports of malpractices and slow operations against Russia.
It also paves the way for a major change in Ukraine’s defence circles.
