President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday his intent to replace Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, a central figure in Kyiv’s dealings with international partners. Rumors of a coming sacking had circulated for months, affected by corruption scandals surrounding the ministry. Reznikov’s visit to Washington this week for meetings at the Pentagon appeared to catch Ukraine’s partners by surprise. Zelensky stated that Rustam Umerov would lead negotiations on the grain export agreement with Russia. This personnel change marks the most significant shift in the Ukrainian government since the war began.
Reasons for dismissal
The Ukrainian presidency gave few specifics about Reznikov’s removal, noting that the ministry needed new approaches to engage with the military and society. Zelensky, speaking on Sunday, emphasized the need for fresh approaches, but the question of why now persisted given Reznikov’s long tenure on the Defense Front since the war started. The former administrator, a 57-year-old lawyer by training, has faced long-standing corruption concerns within his department. Ukrainian media had even floated the possibility of his dismissal in February, but Zelensky ultimately held back at that time. Reznikov’s close relationships with key military partners have been highlighted as both a strength and a source of scrutiny.
Some view his leadership as enabling European and American partners to move past taboos on supplying Kyiv with increasingly advanced weapons, including mobile missile launchers, modern tanks, and F-16 fighters on the horizon. It is also noted that he did not micromanage military operations, leaving strategic decisions largely to top commanders under General Valery Zaluzhny. Reznikov himself has been reported to seek outside help to inject new energy into the ministry after nearly two challenging years of war.
Analysts note that the resignation could be part of a broader effort to reform how the defense sector operates and to reassure international partners that Kyiv is committed to governance reforms alongside military objectives.
Corruption in Defense
Many of the most prominent scandals in recent months have involved contracts for equipment and services within the defense sector. A notable report from the last month accused the ministry of purchasing winter clothing from Turkey that proved to be summer attire, a 30 million euro expense later questioned for value and timing. Earlier, questions arose over a January purchase of bulk eggs priced above the ordinary Ukrainian market rate. While Reznikov is not currently under formal investigation, the resulting scrutiny has led to layoffs and internal inquiries within his department. Kyiv faces pressure to demonstrate a commitment to eliminating corruption as part of its EU accession process. European partners and Ukrainian citizens alike are watching closely as sacrifices linked to the war intensify demands for government accountability.
Zelensky, who campaigned in 2019 on an anti-corruption platform, has recently pushed back against bribery allegations and signaled the introduction of laws aimed at punishing corruption as treason during martial law. The aim is to illustrate seriousness about reform while maintaining national resilience in the face of ongoing conflict.
Instead of Reznikov
In place of Reznikov, President Zelensky offered Rustam Umerov to take the helm of the Defense Ministry, a move awaiting parliamentary approval in the coming week. Umerov previously ran the State Property Fund, the agency overseeing privatization of state assets. Proponents argue that his leadership could bring greater transparency and discipline to a department long criticized for mismanagement and corruption.
Umerov, a member of Ukraine’s minority Kremlin-occupied territories affected by the Crimea situation, has played a significant role in negotiations with Moscow. He has also been involved in discussions around the Black Sea grain corridor and the ongoing prisoner exchange talks that accompany the broader war settlement process. His appointment could influence how Ukraine balances military needs with political and legal reforms as the conflict continues.