‘Thank you, Minister’: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense expressed gratitude to the controversial Olexiy Reznikov for his work on social media

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Minister of Defense, Alexey Reznikov, for his work on social media.

This post was made on Twitter in English, not Ukrainian.

Thank you, Minister! pic.twitter.com/ZxDsPffesY

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 5, 2023

Two days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resignation of Alexey Reznikov from the position of Minister of Defense. In his place, he nominated Rustem Umerov, the head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine and a former member of parliament.

Ukraine has witnessed several scandals related to the Ministry of Defense. Earlier this year, the ministry was accused of purchasing food for the rear units of the Ukrainian army at prices two to three times higher than market rates. The prices of eggs, in particular, sparked heated discussions. Several officials resigned as a result. However, at that time, the president’s office decided not to dismiss Reznikov because he was involved in international negotiations related to arms shipments.

In August, another scandal erupted following an investigation by journalists, this time involving jackets for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Journalists claimed that the military had purchased summer jackets at the price of winter ones, which were three times cheaper. There were also allegations against the supplying company, as one of its co-owners turned out to be the nephew of a deputy from the presidential faction “Sluga Naroda.”