Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov Resigns, Zelensky Names Successor

The Ukrainian Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, has tendered his resignation from his position.

Reznikov confirmed this through his social media accounts on Monday, September 4, where he shared a photo of his resignation letter addressed to Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

A day prior, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had expressed his intention to remove Reznikov from the role of Minister of Defense and announced Rustem Umerov, the head of the Ukraine State Property Fund, as his successor.

Reznikov wrote, "Following President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision, I have submitted my letter of resignation to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. I am ready for the report. Let's stand firm!"

Zelensky emphasized the need for "new approaches and different forms of engagement" between the Ministry of Defense, the military, and society at large.

In his resignation letter, Reznikov reflected on his 22-month tenure in the position. He noted, "We have come a long way, from initially rejecting the provision of Stinger MANPADS to Ukraine in November 2021 when I first assumed the role of Minister of Defense, to establishing an 'aviation coalition,' procuring modern tanks, air defense/missile defense systems, long-range missiles, armored vehicles, artillery, MLRS, and various other types of contemporary Western-style weaponry."

Reznikov underscored Ukraine's top priority as establishing a long-term partnership with key allies to ensure concrete security guarantees and the capability to defend the nation.

The Verkhovna Rada is expected to vote on the resignation of the Minister of Defense and the appointment of a new head of the Defense Ministry later this week.