Umerov Becomes Ukraine's New Defence Minister

• 6.09.2023, 13:30

A vote was held in the Verkhovna Rada.

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has appointed Rustem Umerov as the new defence minister, replacing Alexei Reznikov.

RBC-Ukraine reports.

The decision was supported by 338 MPs.

What preceded it

Rumours about the resignation of Oleksiy Reznikov from the post of defence minister have been circulating for a long time. They intensified after a series of scandals involving the Ministry of Defence's purchase of food and ammunition for the Ukrainian military at inflated prices.

On 3 September, RBC-Ukraine's sources reported on reshuffles in the Defence Ministry. It was about the dismissal of Reznikov and the appointment of Umerov to his post. The information was later confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Who is Rustem Umerov?

Umerov was born on 19 April 1982 in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) to a family of Alushta (Crimea) natives.

In September 2019, he was elected People's Deputy from the Golos faction. During his time in the Rada, Umerov headed the Temporary Special Commission for Monitoring the Receipt and Use of International Logistical Assistance.

In September 2022, he was appointed head of the State Property Fund.