Fesenko said, “Reznikov is important. The decision to transfer him to another ministry was an attempt to reduce political tensions.” “It was hoped that Budanov would bring order to the ministry.”
However, he added that the appointment of 37-year-old Budanov, who holds the rank of Major General in Ukraine’s army, would create legal hurdles as only a civilian can head the Defense Ministry.
Mariana Bezugla, a legislator from the ruling Cervantes of the People’s party, said the changes had been postponed while the government was evaluating the “risk” of such a reshuffle.
Another deputy from Zelensky’s party, Bogdan Yeremenko, said he did not support Reznikov’s replacement and the reshuffle was postponed because it did not have enough support from lawmakers.
“There is much to criticize about the Defense Ministry,” he said. “I am confident that the Minister is able to accept criticism constructively, draw conclusions and correct his own or others’ errors”.