- Russian Defense Ministry thwarts a Ukrainian drone attack off Crimea and the Kursk Region .
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removes Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov from his position.
- President Zelensky’s recent dismissals of top military officials on corruption charges .
In a statement released early Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the successful interception of two Ukrainian drones near Crimea and the Kursk Region. This incident occurred as Kiev intensified its attacks on Moscow’s facilities while grappling with a sluggish counteroffensive on multiple fronts.
The ministry conveyed the details on its Telegram channel, stating, “At approximately 1:00 am today, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack on Russian soil using two unmanned aerial vehicles was thwarted.” It further disclosed that Russian air defense forces on duty had neutralized the Ukrainian UAVs, one over the Black Sea off the Crimean Peninsula and the other over the Kursk Region.
Kiev’s forces have recently escalated their use of drones in attacks against their Russian counterparts as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began 18 months ago, continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides.
This thwarted attack coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to remove his defense minister, Oleksiy Reznikov, from his post, promising “new approaches” within the ministry. The decision came amid a slow-paced counteroffensive against Russian forces and allegations of widespread corruption within defense circles.
Minister Reznikov had been an outspoken advocate for securing military support from Western allies and had led negotiations aimed at procuring advanced weaponry for Ukraine. He had assumed the ministry’s responsibilities just three months prior to the commencement of Russia’s special military operation against Ukraine.
President Zelensky announced Reznikov’s replacement via a video message, citing reports of malpractices and the sluggish pace of operations against Russia. This move is expected to usher in significant changes within Ukraine’s defense establishment.
Last month, as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated, President Zelensky dismissed several top military officials on charges of corruption, emphasizing the need for military leadership to be headed by individuals with first-hand experience of war.
He shared his decision on social media, stating, “We are dismissing all regional military commissars,” following a meeting with senior military leaders. He added, “This system should be led by individuals who understand the realities of war and recognize that cynicism and bribery during wartime constitute high treason.”