Interior minister Avakov resigns, Zelensky proposes Monastyrsky

Arsen Avakov resigned as Interior Minister on July 13.
Avakov posted a short announcement to this effect on the ministry’s website the
same day. Avakov had been minister since February 2014. President Volodymyr
Zelensky proposed the Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement,
Denys Monastyrsky, to replace Avakov. The proposal was made at a Servant of the
People parliamentary faction meeting on July 13, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

James Hydzik: Avakov’s
sudden departure has Ukraine’s political observers scrambling for explanations.
Wilder positions included the temporary return to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv of
George Kent, who had figured in the first Trump impeachment trial. More level
heads pointed to disagreements between Zelensky and Avakov regarding the poor
handling of the investigation into the assassination of journalist Pavel
Sheremet.

The Sheremet issue is certainly an element of pressure
causing the departure. However, it is too early to say that it is the main
reason as reforming ministries will certainly be a topic during Zelensky’s
impending visit to Washington.

The fact that Monastyrsky, who has been connected to
Avakov by some analysts, is being put forward, signals that Avakov’s influence
will still be felt, and that Avakov is being eased out instead of dumped. There
will be keen interest in watching for further changes within the ministry, especially
in terms of heading the customs department.