Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov is set to be replaced by Kyiv’s military intelligence chief, a parliamentarian from the party of President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday.
The planned personnel move was intended to move Mr. Reznikov to another senior government official, according to lawmakers, but the lawyer-turned-politician said he would reject the shift. According to parliamentarians, Major General Kirilo Budanov will become defense minister.
The change will reportedly be voted on in the Ukrainian parliament over the next few days.
If confirmed, it would be the biggest change for the Zelensky administration since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year.
Other high-ranking officials currently serving in deputy roles could be confirmed at the office.
David Alakamia, parliamentary speaker for Zelensky’s National Servants Party, said: Time and circumstances call for strengthening and restructuring. ”
“Oleksiy Reznikov is being transferred to the position of Minister of Strategic Industries within the government to strengthen military-industrial cooperation.Given his expertise, this is absolutely logical,” Alakamia said. . He pointed to Reznikov’s experience over the past year securing weapons from Western backers in Ukraine.
Director of Military Intelligence of Ukraine Kirilo Budanov © AFP via Getty Images
A 37-year-old former Special Forces operative, Budanov has been the head of the military intelligence unit since 2020.
But after Alakamia’s announcement late Sunday, Reznikov said he was not enthusiastic about taking on the new government position, adding: “It was news to me.”
“There was no conversation about the Ukrainian president and the Ministry of Strategic Industries,” Reznikov said in an interview with Fakty ICTV television and Internet news service.
“If I suddenly receive such an offer from the President of Ukraine … I will refuse it because I do not have the expertise to become a minister … strategic industry, “he said. added.
Zelensky has not commented on any upcoming personnel changes or new appointments. Some moves require the president to formally submit his candidacy for approval. His party has a shaky majority in parliament and regularly secures votes from allied parties.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has secured arms and materiel for the military, and the military operation Supreme Commander Valery Zarzny.
Alakamia said legislators will promote Ihor Klimenko, acting head of the interior ministry. Mr Klimenko, a professional police officer, was appointed acting minister last month, succeeding his predecessor Denis Monastyrsky. died in a helicopter crash outside Kyiv.
Alakamia said Vasyl Malyuk, who was named acting head of Ukraine’s SBU National Security Agency last July, will be appointed as head.
“Law enforcement at this stage should be headed by senior law enforcement officers, not politicians,” Alakamia said.
“The enemy is preparing to advance. Preparing for a new offensive.
At a press conference on Sunday, Reznikov defended his record as minister, outlining steps taken to curb corruption and saying the decision was up to the president.
“I’m on the team… I’ll do whatever it takes to win,” Reznikov said.
Reznikov became Defense Minister just over a year ago. He has led Kyiv’s successful efforts to secure heavy weapons from the West that have proven crucial in repelling Russia’s waning aggression.
However, he has faced a recent surge of criticism from anti-corruption activists. scandal in his ministry where several of his subordinates have been arrested or charged by law enforcement.
