Zelensky Needed Defence Minister Out To Placate Allies

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.

- KIM SENGUPTA

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 anticorruption 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.