It was the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in profound disorder over A corruption scandal as the country sent conflicting messages about destiny of that it defense minister on Monday.
The crisis leaves a key post in its war effort in Doubt even when arched for a new Russian offensive.
questions left hanging out over Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov was first public sign of Serious mess in The Ukrainian leadership in wartime, however, was remarkably unified so far almost within a period year of everyone-out Russian military Exceeds.
A day after the announcement of the exclusion of Reznikov, a senior ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky seemed to argue back for Now, saying no personnel changes in the defense sector will be made this week.
David Arakhamia, President of Parliamentary bloc of Zelensky partyAl said head of military Intelligence, Kirillo Budanov, you will take over the defense Ministry, while it will be Reznikov made minister of strategic industries.
But Zelensky remained silent on the issuewhile Reznikov said on Sunday not reported of any move He will turn down a strategic industry job if offered.
confusion caps two-week campaign on alleged official sin in Ukraine that led to the biggest change since Russia invasion.
Central and regional officials have been dismissed or sacked, and security forces have raided the billionaire home Investigations into suspected fraud have begun main Oil and refinery company. The Ministry of Defense was arrested up in Accusations contracted to overpay for food, although Reznikov was not personally accused of No violation.
Zelensky says Actions are intended to show that Kyiv It can be a safe host of Billions of dollar of Western aid. But they are risk The destabilization of the political class that stood together against Russia invasion.
Meanwhile, the Russian troops were advancing for the first time in six Months in Relentless battles in the East. Moscow is pouring in, said a regional governor in Reinforcements for a new offensive can come soon like next week.
Everything will be resolved
Reznikov, 56year old lawyer, was face of Ukraine in international Meetings when allies pledged billions of dollar in Weapons have been warmly welcomed in Western capitals including Paris just last week.
One hurdle to replace it with Budanov, obscure, fast-rising 37-year-old military Decorated intelligence officer for operations that remain secrethe rule require defense minister Be civil.
Volodymyr Fesenko is a politician analyst At the Penta think tank, he said he expected Budanov to ask to retire from military Prior to his appointment, while Reznikov may be awarded a post of the special Envoy, making use of position abroad.
“Everything will work out,” Physenko told Reuters.
Ukraine defense The ministry did not respond to a request for comment Regarding Reznikov and Reuters could not immediately reach Reznikov or Budanov directly.
in advertising plans for Change, said arakami of the ukrainian armed forces should Under supervision people with background in defense or security in Wartime: “War dictates changes in personnel policy,” he wrote on Telegram messaging app.
But Mykhailo Podolyak, Zelensky’s advisor, noted that Reznikov was respected by the Allies: “Reznikov was very effective.” in terms of communication with Our partners. This is a very important component in This issue.”
Reznikov said on Sunday ie decision on The reshuffle was up To Zelensky But the planned transfer was news for him. He would turn down a strategic industry job if offered, because he lacked experience, Fakty ICTV quoted him online media.
offensive at any time
The war has reached such a pivotal point first anniversary approaching, with Ukraine is no longer making gains as it did in the second half of 2022 and Russia is paying now forward with hundreds of thousands of Reserve forces mobilized.
Ukraine is planning its own counter-offensive, but wait on Western Promise battle Fight tanks and infantry vehicles.
Russia was sending more reserves and equipment In eastern Ukraine, Serhiy Heidi, governor of east of Luhansk region He said on He added that the bombing had stopped round- The hour of readiness of the Russian forces for a full-size offensive.
After February 15th we can expect (this offensive) At any time “.
The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had taken control of the area of Mykolaivka, a small village in Neighboring Donetsk region, by state media. There was no immediate response from Ukraine, which objected to the other Russians battlefield reports.
Russia main The target was the city of Bakhmut where her state media Said the Wagner mercenary group has gained a foothold.
A Belarusian volunteer fights for Ukraine inside Bakhmut said earlier that Ukrainian forces were still present in controls of city, though more Russian troops appeared daily.
“Reinforcements also coming for us. As far as I know “The intention is not to hand over Bakhmut”.
Head of Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin, accused by Ukraine of Send thousands of Former Russian prisoners until their death in the vicinity of Bakhmut published a video saying that it is in Tactical bomber aircraft just The city was bombed. He said he was going to fly a fighter jet on Tuesday and challenged Zelensky to an air duel.
