A close supporter of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed on Sunday that Ukraine is planning to replace Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov. With the head of its military spy agency as part of a reorganisation at the frontline of its war effort.
David Arakhamia, a senior politician and president of the Servant of the People parliamentary bloc, Reznikov would be moved to another cabinet position. And replaced by Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the GUR military intelligence agency.
Reznikov’s reorganisation would be the most visible government move in a slew of resignations and dismissals that followed a corruption crisis late last month. Moreover, Zelenskiy’s promise that Ukraine would adhere to Western principles of transparent administration.
Arakhamia recommended that those with experience in security or defence lead Ukraine’s “force” agencies, such as the defence ministry. During a conflict instead of politicians Reznikov would become the ministry’s minister of strategic industries, he noted.
Later in the evening, Reznikov informed the Ukrainian Fakty ICTV online media that he was unaware of the transfer to the new ministry. Hence, contradicting his earlier statement from earlier on Sunday that any decision on a reshuffle was up to Zelenskiy.
Zelenskiy did not immediately make any comments regarding Reznikov’s replacement. Reznikov was a former attorney who was appointed defence minister in November 2021. Before Russia began its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
When the transfer would be formalised was not specified by Arakhamia. When asked about the likelihood of a reshuffle on national television on Sunday night. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak responded: “When it came to communicating with our partners, Reznikov was incredibly effective. And in this instance, this is a crucial element.”
Reznikov, 56, cultivated relationships with Western defence leaders while serving as Ukraine’s defence minister during the war. Furthermore, oversaw the acquisition of billions of dollars in military supplies to assist Kyiv in repelling the Russian invasion.
Reznikov’s “excellent” interpersonal connections with supporters, according to Podolyak, have aided with the military supplies.
Even if rapid de jure membership in the military alliance was not possible. Reznikov singled out Ukraine’s “de facto” inclusion as a high goal. He was the defence minister when he made a strong statement against wartime corruption, which he compared to “marauding.”
However, in recent weeks, a corruption scandal involving an army food deal that called for paying astronomically high rates brought down his own defence ministry. The people was outraged by it.
Two more top officials have now resigned from their positions, and one of his deputy ministers was sacked. Zelenskiy undertook a significant reorganisation as a result of the scandal. Which led to the resignation of numerous regional governors, deputy ministers, and other officials.