Ukraine Dismisses Defense Minister During War... "A New Approach Needed"

As Part of Anti-Corruption Efforts Amid Suspicions of Defense Ministry Procurement Corruption...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky abruptly dismissed Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, CNN and other media reported on the 3rd (local time). This decision came as Ukraine launched a 'war against corruption,' and it is seen as Ukraine, which began a full-scale war following Russia's invasion in February last year, reorganizing its defense system after about a year and a half.

On the 3rd (local time), Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov was dismissed.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to reports, President Zelensky said in a video address that day, "I have decided to replace the Defense Minister," adding, "Reznikov has endured more than 550 days of full-scale war." He further stated, "I believe the Ministry of Defense needs a new approach and a different form of interaction with the military and society as a whole."

This decision came amid President Zelensky's crackdown on corruption in Ukraine. Ukraine has declared a war against corruption with the goal of joining the European Union (EU). At the same time, Ukrainian citizens are highly sensitive to corruption issues as the end of the war remains unclear.

Minister Reznikov recently faced pressure to resign amid corruption allegations. Since taking office as Defense Minister in November 2021, he had visited numerous Western countries following Russia's full-scale invasion in February last year, securing billions of dollars in military aid. He is reported to be fluent in English, facilitating smooth communication with defense ministers of Western countries.

However, in January this year, allegations surfaced that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense purchased food at inflated prices, increasing public demand for the minister to take responsibility, and calls for Reznikov's resignation intensified.

As public opinion worsened, President Zelensky recently announced plans to enact a law treating wartime corruption as treason. He also arrested oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky on charges of embezzling assets abroad. The dismissal of the Defense Minister is interpreted as part of this anti-corruption drive.

President Zelensky nominated Rustem Umerov (41), head of the State Property Fund and an opposition politician, as the new Defense Minister. The nominee must be approved by the parliament to be officially appointed.

Umerov is of Crimean Tatar descent and a member of the Ukrainian opposition party Holos (Voice). He has been involved in negotiations for prisoner-of-war and political prisoner exchanges, civilian evacuations from occupied territories, and participated in delegations discussing Black Sea grain agreements with Russia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.