Zelensky Replaces Ukrainian Defense Chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed his defense minister, citing the need for "new approaches" as the war with Russia enters its 19th month, Josh Pennington and Jonny Hallam reported for CNN.

Reznikov has served as defense minister since November 2021, having previously held other governmental roles, including deputy prime minister. I Photo: NATO Flickr

"This week, parliament will be asked to make a personnel decision... I have decided to replace the minister of defense of Ukraine. Oleksii Reznikov has gone through more than 550 days of full-scale war," Zelensky said.

The president has nominated Rustem Umerov, the former people's deputy of Ukraine, as the new defense minister.

"The Verkhovna Rada (legislature) of Ukraine knows this person well, and Umerov does not need any additional introduction," Zelensky stated. "I expect parliament to support this candidate."

Reznikov has served as defense minister since November 2021, having previously held other governmental roles, including deputy prime minister, according to his biography on the defense ministry website.

His removal comes in the wake of several corruption scandals involving Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. While Reznikov has not been implicated in any of these scandals, they have still been seen as damaging to him by association.

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