In a recent evening address on September 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced the departure of Alexey Reznikov, who has held the position of Minister of Defense since November 2021. To fill the vacancy left by Reznikov, President Zelensky proposed Rustem Umerov, the current head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, Reuters reports.
President Zelensky expressed his appreciation for Reznikov's dedication during his tenure, noting that Reznikov had served amidst more than 550 days of a large-scale war. However, Zelensky emphasized the need for fresh perspectives and alternative approaches within the ministry, especially in terms of its interactions with the military and society.
Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian businessman of Crimean-Tatar origin, brings a diverse background to the role. Born in 1982 in the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan, Umerov's family was among those deported from Crimea to Central Asia in 1944. Fortunately, they managed to return to Crimea when Crimean Tatars were repatriated in the late 1980s.
Throughout his career, Umerov has been actively involved in the promotion of Crimean Tatar rights and the defense of their interests. He co-founded the public organization "Society of Crimean Tatars" and served as an advisor to Mustafa Dzhemilev, the leader of the Crimean Tatar people. In 2019, Umerov transitioned into politics, becoming a deputy in the Verkhovna Rada.
Since 2022, Rustem Umerov has been at the helm of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, where he has made significant contributions. Notably, he revitalized the institution, which had previously faced allegations of corruption. Umerov's leadership led to the resumption of state property sales, resulting in record revenue for the country amid the ongoing conflict.
Umerov's extensive experience as a negotiator and diplomat further strengthens his suitability for the role of Ukraine's Defense Minister. He participated in negotiations with Russia following their full-scale invasion and played a key role in discussions regarding the Black Sea Grain deal and prisoner exchanges, including the release of Ukrainian Azov fighters captured during the Mariupol battle in 2022.
Aside from his diplomatic efforts, Umerov accompanied President Zelensky during visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. His career began in the private sector, working for a prominent mobile operator in 2004. In 2013, he founded his investment company, ASTEM, and established the ASTEM Foundation.
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