Ukraine’s military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov will head the defense ministry, while current defense minister Oleksiy Reznikov will be moved to the post of minister for strategic industries. This was reported by a high-ranking Ukrainian deputy, quoted by Ukrinform.
“War imposes a personnel policy. Time and circumstances require strengthening and regrouping. This is happening now and will happen in the future. And so: Oleksiy Reznikov is transferred to the post of Minister for Strategic Industries to strengthen military-industrial cooperation… Major General Kirilo Budanov will head the Ministry of Defense, which is absolutely logical in wartime.” said the chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary group, David Arahamia.
Reznikov was appointed to the post in 2021 and contributed to the supply of Western weapons to Ukrainian forces. But his ministry was rocked by corruption scandals, France Press noted.
His deputy was forced to resign after allegations that his department signed contracts to supply food at three times the market price.
Heavy fighting in Donbas
Ukraine reported heavy fighting in Donbas.
Fierce fighting in Ukraine’s Donetsk region “is very difficult,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
“Kyiv is preparing for a possible Russian offensive this month, ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country. But no matter how hard it is and no matter how much pressure there is, we must hold on.” Zelensky also said.
Earlier, the Ukrainian president introduced by decree sanctions against 200 companies and enterprises of the Russian nuclear industry, including Rosatom and its subsidiaries.
The goal is to strengthen the efforts of our diplomats to extend global sanctions on this part of the Russian aggression machine, Zelensky said.
