Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov not to be dismissed yet, says ruling party faction’s head
Oleksii Reznikov (Photo:Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov will not be dismissed yet, the head of the Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia, said on his Telegram messenger channel on Feb. 6.
“We’re waiting for the appointment of the heads of the Interior Ministry and the SBU security service of Ukraine,” Arakhamia said.
“Personnel changes in the defense sector will not take place this week.”
At the same time, Arakhamia did not specify why there would be no changes.
Earlier, media and MPs reported that Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov may resign amid a corruption scandal involving procurement at the Defense Ministry and suspicions of embezzlement involving several top officials at the ministry.
Ukrainian media have reported that MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak from the pro-presidential Holos party has suggested that the Ukrainian chief Kyrylo Budanov could take over at the ministry, and Reznikov could instead head the Ministry of Strategic Industries.
Commenting on rumors of his possible dismissal, Reznikov said he is “on the team” but will resign if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes such a decision.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, will consider the appointment of Ihor Klymenko and Vasyl Malyuk to the positions of the heads of the Interior Ministry and the SBU, respectively, in the near future.
Currently, they hold the positions of acting heads.
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