Reznikov makes statement amid rumours of his dismissal
Rumors about the possible resignation of Reznikov from the post of Minister of Defense appeared after a series of corruption scandals in the Ministry of Defense (Photo:Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters)
Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, responding to rumours about his dismissal in a Facebook post of Feb. 7, thanked everyone for constructive criticism and said he would continue strengthening the country’s defence.
"Let's keep the line. I thank everyone for their support and constructive criticism,” Reznikov wrote on his Facebook page.
“We’re drawing conclusions,” he said of his team at the ministry. “We’re continuing to reform. We’re doing so even in wartime. We’re strengthening our defences and working for our victory."
Rumors of Reznikov’s possible dismissal as Minister of Defence appeared after there was a food procurement scandal over overpriced contracts for the army supply with a catering company. Several top officials of the Defence Ministry were suspected of being involved in wrongdoing.
On Feb. 5, there was speculation in the media that Reznikov would be moved on to the position of the Minister of Strategic Industries (instead of Pavlo Riabikin), while his post would be taken over by chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.
Commenting on rumours about his designation, Reznikov said he would resign if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved the relevant order.
The head of the ruling Servant of the People faction in the Ukrainian parliament, Davyd Arakhamia, said on Feb. 6 that no staff changes in defence are expected this week.
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