Ukrainian lawmakers on Tuesday rejected the appointment of outgoing Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal as energy minister, a surprise wartime rebuke to President Volodymyr Zelensky as he tries to reshape key sectors at a critical juncture in the conflict.
Shmyhal, who served as prime minister for five years before being named defense minister last year, was chosen by Zelensky to lead an energy sector that has been battered by corruption allegations and Russian attacks on infrastructure, Reuters news agency reported.
The previous energy minister was fired late last year after a corruption scandal erupted, also involving his predecessor.
The position has been vacant for nearly two months as Moscow escalated a campaign of massive air strikes on the energy sector, leaving millions without power and heating in freezing temperatures.Ukraine’s parliament deals blow to Zelensky, rejects nominee for energy minister
Ukrainian lawmakers on Tuesday rejected the appointment of outgoing Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal as energy minister, a surprise wartime rebuke to President Volodymyr Zelensky as he tries to reshape key sectors at a critical juncture in the conflict.
Shmyhal, who served as prime minister for five years before being named defense minister last year, was chosen by Zelensky to lead an energy sector that has been battered by corruption allegations and Russian attacks on infrastructure, Reuters news agency reported.
The previous energy minister was fired late last year after a corruption scandal erupted, also involving his predecessor.
The position has been vacant for nearly two months as Moscow escalated a campaign of massive air strikes on the energy sector, leaving millions without power and heating in freezing temperatures.
