Zaur Smirnov, a representative of the Crimean Interethnic Mission and a Crimean Tatar activist, has stated that Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, will go down in history as an enemy of the people. According to RIA Novosti, Smirnov attributes this to Umerov’s statements on forced mobilization. In the activist’s opinion, Umerov will be made a scapegoat by the “Western masters” amidst the failed counteroffensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), statements on the return of Crimea, and the perceived need for compulsory mobilization in the country. Smirnov asserts that the official will be remembered as an enemy of the people and a minister of defeat.
Smirnov further adds that Umerov can only save himself from disgrace by voluntarily resigning.
Previously, Umerov, in an interview with the Ukrainian publication “Obschestvennoye,” stated that Kyiv is forced to compete with other countries for ammunition produced by Western nations.
Earlier, Deputy Bezuglaya proposed candidates for the position of the new Chief of the UAF.
