Zelensky introduced the new defense minister. “Exactly what you need right now.”
In his evening speech, Volodymyr Zelensky presented the new Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov. – He’s a strong person. A systematic person. He understands the defense sector well, said the Ukrainian leader.
Let us recall: on September 3, Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Oleksiy Reznikov, who had been Ukraine’s Minister of Defense since November 2021.
Why did Reznikov lose his position?
According to unofficial reports, Reznikov was blamed for corruption scandals in the ministry he subordinated to. This includes: about bribes accepted by members of military commissions in exchange for avoiding conscription into the army.
– I believe that the ministry needs a new approach and other formats of interaction with both the army and the entire society – explained the Ukrainian leader.
The Verkhovna Rada almost unanimously supports Umerov
He proposed Rustem Umerov as Reznikov’s successor. This is a Crimean Tatar, who was previously the head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine. As we have previously informed, while working in this position he demonstrated honesty and organizational talent.
Last Wednesday, September 6, the Ukrainian Parliament almost unanimously approved the nomination of Umerov as the new Minister of Defense. 338 deputies voted for Umerov’s candidacy, one abstained and none were against. 21 deputies did not take part in the vote.
Zelensky in superlatives about Umerov
On Thursday, September 7, Zelensky officially introduced Umerov to the public in his evening speech. The President of Ukraine made it clear that he had high hopes for the new minister.
The speech emphasized that Umerov had previously been involved in a number of important negotiations, e.g. regarding the release of soldiers of the “Azov” regiment from Russian captivity.
– He’s a strong person. A systematic person. He understands the defense sector well. From the first days of the full-scale war, he participated in arms negotiations for Ukraine. Very delicate and productive negotiations. He also took part in negotiations to free our nation from Russian captivity. Rustem also achieved important results for Ukraine in this regard. The Ministry of National Defense may resume work. This is exactly what is needed now, commented Zelensky.
