President Volodymyr Zelenskyi told Ukrainians on Monday evening that he is preparing for new personnel appointments in the central and local administrations, and emphasized that it is important to appoint people who have military experience gained during the defense of Ukraine to these leadership positions. interpreted as a hint that he was going to replace Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov with the head of military intelligence (GUR) Kirill Budanov. In addition, the leader from Kyiv suggested that Ukraine is preparing for offensive action against Russian troops, writes News.ro.

“We are strengthening our leadership positions. In a number of regions – especially in border and frontline regions – we appoint managers with military experience. Those who may be most effective in protecting against current threats. I will keep you informed of any such decision. In general, it is worth noting that we will combine the experience gained by our people in the defense of Ukraine – military experience – with specific leadership activities in the positions of local and central authorities,” Zelenskyi said in his address to Ukrainians, as he does every evening.

This is practically, albeit veiled, the first reaction of the president to the rumors that spread over the weekend in connection with the change of the Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov. On Monday, there was some confusion in Ukraine regarding this topic. A day after the announcement of Reznikov’s removal, a close associate of the president, member of parliament Davyd Arahamia, appeared to back down, saying there would be no change this week.

Davyd Arakhamiya, head of the parliamentary group of Zelensky’s party, said that the head of military intelligence, 37-year-old Kyrylo Budanov, will replace Reznikov, who will become the minister of strategic industries. But Zelensky remained silent, and Reznikov said on Sunday that he had not heard anything about it.

The changes come at the end of a two-week ramp-up in anti-corruption efforts that has seen many officials, including from the Defense Ministry, replaced and others arrested or investigated in the biggest political and administrative shakeup since Ukraine. after the Russian invasion a year ago.

An offensive action is being prepared

“Today we held another meeting of the General Staff. There are many problems. Actions on the front lines, in the Donetsk region and in other directions, are key. Special attention is paid to Bakhmut, regarding our defense and the attempts of the occupiers to surround the city and break through the defense there. We oppose them,” Zelenskyi said on Monday evening after assuring European leaders on Friday that Ukrainians want the Bakhmut “fortress” as much as they can.

“Today, at the meeting of the General Staff, we also discussed the issue of providing our fighters with ammunition. Artillery is one of the key factors. As usual, reports were presented by the Commander-in-Chief and heads of departments. The head of the special service reported on the current plans of the occupiers,” Zelenskyy said.

On the other hand, the leader from Kyiv suggested that Ukraine was preparing for an offensive operation. He said that Ukraine continues the formation of new brigades of the National Guard, police and border police, which will make up the “Offensive Guard”.

“The start is strong. The process will continue. Thank you to everyone who showed interest in the formation of brigades. Thank you to everyone who applied. Good motivation plus good training equals the ability of our defense and security forces to return what belongs to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

He also mentioned a five-year aid package worth NOK 75 billion announced by Oslo on Monday. “This is an extremely significant contribution to our victory, which we are preparing. Joint victory of all those who truly value freedom and life,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He also spoke about the situation in Odesa and the region, where a large-scale power outage has been ongoing since Saturday due to a fire at an electrical substation. Power outages are still ongoing in most parts of Odesa. Zelensky noted that work is underway to rectify the situation, and meanwhile, generators and power equipment are being delivered to the region and the city.

The President of Ukraine expressed his condolences to President Recep Erdogan after the devastating earthquake that occurred in Turkey, as well as to the people of Syria who lost their loved ones. Ukraine immediately reacted to these tragic events and offered Turkey support in the rescue operation, Zelenskyy confirmed.

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