Reznikov says to continue as Ukrainian defense minister - media

MOSCOW. Feb 16 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov said President Vladimir Zelensky asked him to stay in office, Ukrainian media have reported with reference to The Guardian.

Asked whether he expected to continue as defense minister in the coming months, Reznikov replied, "Yes, it was the decision of my president," The Guardian said.

Ukrainian media reported in early February, citing David Arakhamia, head of the pro-presidential parliamentary faction, that Reznikov would be relived of his duties as defense minister and appointed minister for strategic industries. Kirill Budanov, chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, was expected to replace Reznikov as defense minister.

However, Arakhamia said later the plans changed and reshuffles in the upper echelons of the government were postponed.