Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday announced a major shake-up at the highest levels of his government, outlining plans to oust Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov just as Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia’s invading army begins to gain steam.
In a video address, Mr. Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian lawmaker Rustem Umerov should be the nation’s new defense minister and he said he expects Ukrainian lawmakers to back the change.
“Mr. Umerov does not need any additional introductions. I expect the parliament to support this candidate,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. Mr. Umerov, 41, is a politician with the opposition Holos party and has served as head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine since September 2022.He played a key role in negotiations with the Kremlin that resulted in a 2022 deal allowing the export of grain and other food from Ukrainian ports, helping to avert a significant global food crisis.
The ouster of Mr. Reznikov comes amid a scandal within the Defense Ministry related to the recent purchase of military jackets.
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