New Minister of Defence Appointed in Ukraine

The Ukrainian Parliament, known as the Verkhovna Rada, has appointed a new Minister of Defence. According to The Gaze, Rustem Umerov has assumed this role, replacing Oleksii Reznikov, who was relieved of his duties just a day prior. Umerov's candidacy was put forth by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"The Ministry requires fresh approaches and different forms of engagement, both with the military and society at large," stated the Ukrainian President.

Umerov's candidacy for the position of Minister of Defence received the support of 338 parliamentarians.

Rustem Umerov, aged 41, who previously served as the head of the State Property Fund, is recognized as a "skillful negotiator." He is the first Crimean Tatar and Muslim in Ukraine's history to lead the Ministry of Defence, and he is also the youngest Minister of Defence in the entire history of independent Ukraine.

Umerov has been actively involved in the restoration and construction of mosques in Ukraine. For instance, in August 2013, the Ortadzhami Mosque in Bakhchisarai was inaugurated, and its restoration was funded by the Umerov family (Rustem, Aslan, and their father, Enver).

In recent years, the new Minister of Defence has been engaged in the project to build the Soborna Mosque and Islamic Cultural-Spiritual Center in Kyiv. On this matter, he has engaged with Turkish authorities.

Umerov is proficient in the Turkish language, which has proven beneficial in addressing several crucial matters during negotiations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Rustem Umerov hails from a family that was deported from Crimea during Stalin's regime. International media outlets speculate that Umerov's appointment as the head of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine may symbolize Ukraine's steadfast commitment to reclaiming Crimea.

Starting in 2014, Rustem Umerov has focused his efforts on securing the release of Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia. For instance, in 2017, he played a pivotal role in the release of Akhtem Chiygoz and Ilmi Umerov, who had been held captive in Russia. Thanks to his actions, they successfully returned to Ukraine, flying via Ankara.

In 2019, Rustem Umerov became a Member of Parliament representing the "Holos" (Voice) party. In the parliament, he initiated several legislative proposals aimed at protecting human rights. Notably, he actively contributed to the creation of a law on the social protection of political prisoners and their families. In 2020, Rustem Umerov initiated parliamentary hearings regarding the de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea.