Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov attends the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein-Miesenbach, southwestern Germany on January 20, 2023. ANDRE PAIN / AFP
Rumours about Oleksiy Reznikov’s future have been circulating for days but he reiterated during a press conference today that the final decision lay with President Zelensky.
The Defense Minister has played a key role in securing weapons from Ukraine’s Western partners, most recently the pledge of heavy tanks from countries including Germany and the U.S. Kyiv is now pushing for longer-range missiles and fighter jets.
Reznikov said a “huge distance has been covered” though “we still have to agree on the planes”.
“I am convinced that our international partners have faith in the victory of Ukraine, it will remain, and they will continue to support us,” he added.
Last week in exclusive comments to Kyiv Post, Reznikov said he would continue to fight for Ukraine “regardless of status or position”.
He added: “There are still planes on my wish list to Santa. I believe in the victory of Ukraine and I will do everything for this.”
One of the candidates being touted to replace him is the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.
Ukrainian journalist. Senior editor at Kyiv Post. I have been working as a journalist for almost 10 years. I write about Ukrainian politics and social issues.
