Replacing Zelensky: Does It Matter?
Peloni: Avakov was known as the permanent minister, as he was the lone minister to remain in power as all other members of the govt were changed out, even as Poroshenko was replaced by Zelensky, serving almost 7 1/2 years in the powerful position of Interior Minister. It ways hoped that when Zelensky finally did replace Avakov, in July 2021, that it was a signal to move the Ukrainian regime towards a peaceful resolution with Russia, but that hope lasted only a very short time. It should be recalled that it was Avakov who formed the Battalions such as Azov , just as it was Avakov who later brought the Battalions into the Army as distinct units rather than disbanding or integrating them instead. Avakov’s close pre-Maidan association with Andriy Biletsky, the founder of Azov and the Azov movement, led to him promoting and protecting Azov throughout his lengthy term in office. If Zelensky is removed by the West, his replacement with Avakov should be understood to be a complete surrender to the most radical elements of the Nationalist-Nazi regime in Kiev. Hopefully this is not the plan which the West has in mind for Ukraine.
Stephen Bryen | Weapons & Strategy | August 13, 2024
Russia’s foreign intelligence service (SVR) says that the “west” is planning to replace Zelensky and will soon embark on a campaign to discredit him. Allegedly the candidate to replace him, says the SVR, is Arsen Avakov. He previously served as a Minister of Interior which in many countries is the organization that runs the country’s intelligence agencies (other than military intelligence which in Ukraine is placed under the military but mainly reports directly to the President). Avakov, according to the SVR, has strong links to European leaders and also to “nationalist” groups in Ukraine.
