President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, He announced his intention on Sunday Replacing Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov One of the key figures in Kiev’s relationship with its foreign allies. Rumors of his dismissal had been circulating for months. corruption scandals This affected his ministry, but it seems to have taken Ukraine’s partners by surprise, as evidenced by Reznikov’s visit to Washington this week to hold several meetings at the Pentagon. Zelensky announces he will replace Rustam UmerovLeading the negotiations on the grain export agreement with Russia. The name change in Defense marks the biggest change in the Ukrainian government since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
Reasons for dismissal
The Ukrainian presidency did not give many details about the dismissal of Reznikov, who had served on the Defense Front since the beginning of the war. “The Ministry needs it” new approaches and other ways to interact with the military and with society at large,” Zelensky said in announcing his decision on Sunday. But this was all too well known: 57 year old lawyerTrump, who took office months before the outbreak of the war and has little military background behind him, has long been exposed for corruption scandals in his department. Ukrainian media even reported in mid-February that he would be sacked soon, but Zelensky backed out as a result. close personal relationships That Reznikov knows how to knit with the main defensive cuffs Ukrainian allies.
Perhaps that is its greatest virtue. Enabling Europeans and Americans to break their taboo on supplying Kiev with increasingly sophisticated weapons such as mobile missile launchers Himarlarto tanks leopard and soon you’re hunting F 16. Another of the virtues attributed to him is that he did not interfere much in the military conduct of the war, which was left to the command of the generals under Valery Zaluzhny.
It is also said that Reznikov himself requested assistance from Ukraine, which was welcomed by the president in order to instill new energy in the ministry after 18 months of grueling war.
Corruption in Defense
Most of the scandals uncovered by the press in recent months, equipment and service contract for the military. In one of the latest reports released last month, the ministry was accused of buying Turkey “winter clothes” for more valuable soldiers 30 million €, an outfit that finally turns out to be summer. Before that, it was revealed that the ministry bought it in January. bulk eggs for unity More than double the price paid on average in Ukrainian supermarkets.
While Reznikov is not currently under investigation, the scandals have led to several layoffs and investigations in his department. Ukraine needs to show its willingness to end the war widespread corruption to advance the accession process. European UnionThis is a factor that heightens the public’s growing intolerance of what is going on in their institutions, given the sacrifices the war imposes on citizens.
Zelensky, who won the 2019 election by promising put an end to corruptionrecently rejected all military recruiterbefore r bribery allegations The blame is being laid on them, and he has come to propose a law that would punish corruption with the crime of “treason”, taking advantage of the martial law prevailing in the country.
instead of Reznikov
Ukrainian president offered Rustam Umerov Don’t take the reins of the Defence, a position that Parliament must approve next week. Umerov was the director of this institution until now. State Property Fundinstitution responsible for overseeing privatization of public companies. Its advocates claim it has managed to bring transparency and rigor to a ministry traditionally known for its abuses and corruption.
Member of minority of tartarUmerov, who was persecuted by the Russian occupation forces in the illegally annexed Crimea. Negotiations with Moscow This also led to grain export agreement The crossing in the Black Sea is suspended due to Russia’s decision to break through it unilaterally this summer. He also plays an important role in the negotiations. prisoner exchange.