Zelensky Fires the Country's Defense Minister; Replacement Announced

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. Alexey Reznikov will be replaced at the ministry by Rustem Umerov, who currently heads the State Property Fund.

“I have decided to change the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Alexey Reznikov. This week, a personnel decision will be submitted to the parliament. The ministry should be headed by Rustem Umerov,” Zelensky stated.

It is noteworthy that, according to Russian Telegram channels, Umerov is a Crimean Tatar and Sunni Muslim with personal connections in Turkey and has participated in key negotiations between Zelensky and Erdogan, ranging from the “grain deal” to the return of Azov commanders to Ukraine.