Ukrainian defense minister sacks deputies

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustam Umerov has sacked four of his deputies, citing unacceptable “attempts of influence” on his department, RT reports.

The announcement on Tuesday morning comes amid rumors that Umerov himself may lose his job over a reported conflict with Andrey Yermak, the powerful head of the presidential administration.

Explaining his decision, Umerov described the Defense Ministry as a “closed perimeter” that must work without external interference. The four officials dismissed are Stanislav Gayder, Aleksandr Sergiy, Yury Dzhigir, and Lydmila Daragan.

In addition to personnel changes, Umerov announced reforms in the state-owned company responsible for international arms trade and the ministry’s departments for logistics and procurement.

The overhaul comes amid rumors of growing tensions between Yermak and senior military officials, including Umerov and Kirill Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence. The speculation was triggered by last week’s firing of two of Budanov’s deputies, which Umerov reportedly ordered without consulting with the spy chief, according to RT.