Latest news with #Ukraine conflict
Russia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Zelensky replaces defense minister
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has named the country's longest-serving prime minister, Denis Shmigal, as the next minister of defense, as part of a sweeping government reshuffle expected to be finalized by parliament this week. Shmigal, 49, has served as prime minister since 2020, navigating the Kiev government through the Covid-19 pandemic and the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022. In a video address on Monday evening, Zelensky praised Shmigal's experience in managing the country's limited resources, saying it would be valuable in his new role. 'Denis Shmigal's extensive experience will definitely be valuable in the position of Ukraine's defense minister – it is precisely in this area that the country's resources are currently concentrated, the number of tasks is at its peak, and the responsibility is immense,' Zelensky said. Zelensky has also proposed Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Sviridenko as Shmigal's replacement as prime minister. Sviridenko, 39, who gained prominence for brokering a deal that granted the US preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources, has said she will soon present her proposed cabinet and government action plan. The reshuffle will require parliamentary approval once Shmigal formally submits his resignation. A vote on dismissing the current cabinet is reportedly expected as early as July 16. Outgoing defense minister Rustem Umerov, who also led Kiev's delegation in negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, is the main candidate to become Ukraine's new ambassador to the United States, according to Zelensky. 'We need a person to be strong and to be in the context of the most important thing, in the context of strengthening Ukraine – through weapons, first of all,' Zelensky said after meeting with Umerov over the weekend. Ukraine's Defense Ministry has faced multiple corruption scandals in recent years, with former defense chief Aleksey Reznikov stepping down in 2023 amid a scandal involving overpriced food contracts for the military. Four months later, his successor, Umerov, stated that an internal ministry audit had uncovered approximately $262 million in losses related to theft. Umerov himself was also reportedly under investigation by anti-corruption authorities for alleged abuse of power in connection with defense procurement.
Russia Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russia prefers peaceful solution to Ukraine conflict
Russia remains open to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday. He warned that conditions on the ground are rapidly evolving as Kiev hesitates to continue direct negotiations. Two rounds of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine have taken place this year in Istanbul – in mid-May and early June – but a third has yet to be scheduled. Peskov addressed the stalled diplomatic efforts during a routine press briefing. 'We should wait for some signals from the Kiev regime, who should say whether they want to hold a third round of direct talks or not,' Peskov said. 'We have repeatedly said that we would prefer achieving our goals through peaceful political-diplomatic means.' He added, 'As long as this outcome is impossible, the special military operation continues, and realities on the ground are changing every day.' His comments came as the United States reportedly resumed weapons deliveries to Ukraine following a brief pause. President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of 'throwing a lot of bullsh*t' at Washington – remarks the Kremlin characterized as rhetorical flourishes typical of the American leader. Trump maintains his interest in brokering a compromise to resolve the conflict. Initially Kiev agreed to resume direct talks with Moscow after the White House signaled support for renewed diplomacy. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tikhiy said in an interview this week that Kiev's consent to negotiations was partly driven by a desire to avoid being blamed by Western leaders for obstructing Trump's peace agenda. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the ASEAN forum in Malaysia. The two officials spoke for nearly an hour, after which Rubio downplayed the earlier pause in US military aid and urged European nations backing Kiev to increase their support. 'One of the things that the Ukrainians need is more Patriot batteries,' Rubio said, referencing the US-made long-range air defense systems. 'There are Patriot batteries available in multiple countries in Europe, yet no one wants to part with them.' He argued that countries prioritizing Ukraine's defense should be willing to send Kiev equipment that is currently not being used.
