Arms Leader and Other Officials Resign, Shaking Up Ukrainian Leadership

Amr Alfiky, Annegret Hilse/Reuters; John Macdougall/AFP via Getty Images

Three Ukrainian government officials resigned from office on Sept. 3, according to Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.

The resignation requests are from Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets, and Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, said Mr. Stefanchuk, according to Reuters.

Kamyshin wrote on Telegram that he would continue to work in defense but “in a different role.”

After being appointed to the arms position in March 2023, Kamyshin, 40, led defense efforts against Russia by increasing the production of drones and missiles. He also oversaw the nation’s railways.

The railroads became a significant resource for the Ukrainian government in transporting people, goods, and military supplies after roads and bridges were damaged. In 2022, the Russian military launched several strikes on the railway infrastructure.

Six railway stations were hit, causing debilitating damage and delaying 14 trains, Kamyshin reported.

Russian Strike on Poltava

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that there was a Russian strike on Poltava, Ukraine, in which two ballistic missiles hit an educational institution and a hospital on Sept. 3.

“People were trapped under the rubble,” he said. “Many people were rescued, but more than 180 were injured. Unfortunately, there are many casualties. As of now, we know that 41 people were killed.”

He asked for more global weapons support.

“Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not sitting in storage,” he said. “Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not later. Every day of delay, unfortunately, means more lost lives.”

As the war continues, lawmakers have observed additional changes in the Ukrainian government, Reuters reported, with the departure of five other officials earlier this summer.

President Zelenskyy said he will fill the positions before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly.

A Call for Arms

Zelenskyy continues to petition other countries for more military equipment.

“I am calling on the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—we need the means to fully and effectively protect Ukraine and its people,” he said on X in late August.

“We need permissions for long-range capabilities, as well as your long-range shells and missiles. Making these vital decisions cannot be delayed—these are the actions that can have the most significant impact on the course of events.”