Following Oleksii Reznikov’s resignation, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s legislative body, has endorsed Rustem Umerov as the nation’s latest defense chief. The announcement came on Sept. 6, as communicated by Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of the Parliament.
Previously serving as the head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund, Umerov was nominated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Parliament expressed significant backing for the appointment, with 338 members in favor and a single abstention.
President Zelensky made his intentions clear to replace Reznikov on Sept. 3, leading to Reznikov’s official resignation, which the Rada acknowledged on Sept. 5.
Serving as the Defense Minister since November 2021, Reznikov was instrumental in marshalling foreign military assistance during Russia’s extensive assault on Ukraine, notably through several Ramstein summits. Nonetheless, his tenure faced criticism over controversies concerning the procurement of military equipment and provisions.
Umerov, originating from Uzbekistan and identifying as a Crimean Tatar, began his political journey as a Parliament representative of the opposition party, Voice (Holos). He later transitioned to a governmental role, overseeing the State Property Fund. Notably, he has been a key figure in early peace negotiations with Russia amid the conflict.
