Ukraine’s defense minister formally submitted his resignation, defending his track record a day after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his dismissal, citing the need for “new approaches.”
Late Sunday, President Zelensky announced the replacement of the defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, marking the most significant leadership shake-up in Ukraine’s war effort since Russia’s full-scale invasion began last year. Speculation about Mr. Reznikov’s fate had been growing in Ukraine as financial improprieties in the ministry came to light, leading to several government investigations into official corruption.
In a statement, President Zelensky mentioned that Mr. Reznikov, who has not been personally implicated in the widening investigations into mishandling military contracts, would be succeeded by Rustem Umerov, the chairman of Ukraine’s State Property Fund. President Zelensky expressed his expectation that Ukraine’s Parliament, which must approve the change, would endorse his request.
On Monday, Mr. Reznikov shared his letter of resignation with Ukraine’s Parliament, highlighting various achievements, such as deepening ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a revamp of military procurement practices, and the implementation of digital systems for military management.
Ukraine’s Parliament confirmed receiving Mr. Reznikov’s resignation letter, stating on the Telegram messaging app that it would be reviewed “at the next plenary session.”
According to an official in the president’s office, not authorized to speak publicly about the dismissal, several factors contributed to this shake-up. These factors include the understanding that Ukraine needs new leadership as the war continues, criticism from Ukrainian civil society groups and media regarding contracting scandals, and Mr. Reznikov’s personal requests to step down. While there had been recent speculation about Mr. Reznikov potentially assuming a diplomatic role, neither his nor President Zelensky’s statement mentioned a new position.
