Zelensky needed to sack his defence minister – but it goes beyond just corruption scandals

The dismissal of a defence minister who helped to secure billions of pounds in military aid for Ukraine, and forged strong relationships with Western officials, reflects the challenges President Volodymyr Zelensky faces in the 18th month of Russia’s invasion.

Oleksii Reznikov became well known in international diplomatic and defence circles, as he lobbied for more support for Ukraine and the need to form a pathway for his country’s future membership of Nato.

But it was pressure from abroad which ultimately played a part in Reznikov’s removal from his post. The defence minister became one of the highest-profile casualties in a crackdown demanded by the US and EU, as concern has grown about corruption in Ukraine.

Last week, American officials let it be known that the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, had met Ukraine’s anti-corruption investigators and urged them to pursue cases “no matter where they lead”.

Ukraine has a long-standing application to join the EU, and part of the qualifying process is the establishment of effective sanctions against malpractice. While there is a possibility that a faster track to entry may be granted by Brussels in solidarity against Russian aggression, the pressure for firm action continues.

Reznikov. 57, is not personally accused of graft. But his ministry has been blamed for buying food for the armed forces at inflated prices, overpayment for unsuitable winter clothing, and taking bribes at regional recruitment offices to allow draft-dodging. Some officials made so much money from the scams that they allegedly bought luxury properties abroad.

Reznikov’s deputy, Vyacheslav Shapovalov, resigned earlier in the year, but the minister himself survived despite calls for him to take responsibility for what took place on his watch.

President Zelensksy recently proposed that corruption should be treated with the same degree of severity as treason under the current martial law regime. This has, however, led to concern among civil rights activists that intelligence agencies may then take over cases, with investigations less transparent than those of the current anti-corruption agencies.

There is nothing to suggest that Reznikov will face any charges. Indeed there is a possibility that he will continue to serve the government and may end up in London as the next ambassador. His predecessor, Vadym Prystaiko, was sacked by Zelensky for criticising the president in a row over gratitude for British military aid.

Reznikov will be replaced by Rustem Umerov, the head of the State Property Fund, which oversees privatisation of state assets and was mired in corruption scandals at the time he took over.

His subsequent measures against graft have been widely praised, but have also led to animosity from some MPs and bureaucrats. The nomination is expected to pass through parliament fairly swiftly.

Umerov, a 41-year-old former MP, is from the Tartar community whose homeland, Crimea, was annexed by Russia in 2014. He took part in peace negotiations with the Russians after the invasion in February 2022, when he was reported to have experienced symptoms of suspected poisoning.

Since then, he has participated in talks over the export of grain through the Black Sea, and repatriation of prisoners.

Vitaliy Shabunin, the head of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Centre (Antac), an NGO, described Umerov taking over as “probably the president’s best decision”.

He added: “It seems to me that with this appointment, Zelensky finally shuts down anyone’s attempts [including allies] to pressure us into surrendering Crimea.”

In reality, Umarov becoming defence minister will not decide whether Crimea is regained. His appointment will, however, reassure western backers of Ukraine, and should help the process of the country’s integration into the EU.