Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday that he would be replacing his defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, in what is expected to be the largest shake-up of Ukraine’s defence establishment since Russia’s invasion in 2022. In a video address to the nation, Zelenskiy stated that he would be nominating Rustem Umerov, head of the country’s main privatisation fund, as Reznikov’s replacement.
Reznikov, who has been the defence minister since November 2021, played a crucial role in securing billions of dollars of Western military aid to support Ukraine’s war effort. However, his tenure has been plagued by graft allegations surrounding his ministry, which he has repeatedly dismissed as smears. Zelenskiy’s decision to replace Reznikov comes amidst a broader crackdown on corruption in Ukraine, as the country seeks to join the European Union and combat corruption during a time of ongoing conflict.
“I’ve decided to replace the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Oleksii Reznikov has been through more than 550 days of full-scale war,” Zelenskiy said. He emphasized the need for new approaches and different forms of interaction with the military and society as a whole.
The appointment of Umerov as the new defence minister is expected to be approved by parliament. Umerov, a 41-year-old ex-lawmaker and Crimean Tatar, has been praised for his role in the State Property Fund, where he oversaw the privatisation of state assets and addressed corruption scandals. His experience and track record are seen as valuable assets in the ongoing war.
Reznikov, known for his strong rapport with allied defence ministers and military officials, was instrumental in lobbying for military support from Western nations. The aid, including powerful military equipment like German-made main battle tanks and HIMARS multiple-launch rockets, played a crucial role in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
Despite Reznikov’s successes, his position became increasingly untenable due to domestic media pressure and allegations of corruption. The pressure intensified earlier this year when his ministry was accused of purchasing food at inflated prices. While he was not directly involved in the food contract, there were calls for him to take political responsibility for the incident.
Last month, another Ukrainian media outlet accused Reznikov’s ministry of corruption during the procurement of winter coats for the army. Reznikov consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was the target of a smear campaign.
As Ukraine continues its struggle to regain control of territory in the southeast and east, the appointment of Umerov as the new defence minister signals Zelenskiy’s commitment to addressing corruption and implementing new approaches in the defence establishment. The shake-up comes at a critical time as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its position against Russian aggression and build closer ties with the West.
Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Anna Pruchnicka, Editing by Diane Craft and Rosalba O’Brien