Publication

This publication examines the appointment of a new defense minister in Ukraine after a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile accidentally downed a Russian civilian airliner. The author argues that despite speculation that a civilian might be appointed to the post there are reasons to suspect that a military general was chosen by President Leonid Kuchma in order to increase presidential influence and administration over the armed forces. The publication concludes that the new defense minister is a safe pair of hands, a committed reformer and a firm supporter of closer NATO-Ukraine ties.