Ukraine's Defence Minister, Reznikov, Resigns

Contrary to reports that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, sacked the country’s Defence Minister, Oleksii Reznikov from his post, the latter said he voluntarily resigned. 

The development is contained in a social media statement issued by the former Defense Minister. 

"I have submitted my letter of resignation to Ruslan Stefanchuk @r_stefanchuk, Chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine @verkhovna_rada

"It was an honor to serve the Ukrainian people and work for the #UAarmy for the last 22 months, the toughest period of Ukraine’s modern history," he wrote on his X handle, @oleksiireznikov.

Zelensky however, announced Reznikov's exit from office in his nightly briefing Sunday, noting that it's time for new ideas to take hold in the ministry. 

“I believe that the ministry needs new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society as a whole,” Zelensky said. 

Reznikov has been in office since Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022 but has now been replaced by Rustem Umerov who, prior to the new position, was head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund.

Reznikov's exit, long been speculated by Ukrainian media, may be a prelude to new roles for him as part of Zelensky's cabinet, given the view that he may be appointed as the country’s new Ambassador to London where he is said to have developed good relations with senior UK politicians.

He is also described as having a well-known figure internationally since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and regularly attended meetings with his country’s Western allies, playing key roles in lobbying for additional military equipment.

Reznikov 57, reportedly told reporters last week that he was exploring other positions with the Ukrainian president.