Zelensky needed to sack his defence minister – but it goes beyond just corruption scandals

Embarrassing headlines about the defence ministry buying food at inflated prices is one thing, writes Kim Sengupta, but tackling allegations of graft is key to Kyiv’s integration into the EU and placating concerns from Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, right, with Oleksii Reznikov, who has tended his resignation (AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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.