The leaders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) have appointed Volodymyr Kononov as the DPR's acting defense minister, DPR Security Council member Serhiy Kavtaradze told Interfax on Aug. 14.
“For now Volodymyr Kononov has the role of acting defense minister.
He must be affirmed by the Supreme Council. He is a well-known
militiaman,” Kavtaradze said.
The ‘DPR’ defense minister, Ihor Girkin (Strelkov) is alive and well,
he said. “Ihor Girkin (Strelkov) is alive and well, everything is
alright with him. I would call reports about him being injured a hoax.
This is absolutely untrue,” Kavtaradze added.
Meanwhile, the ‘DPR’ said on its official website later that the ‘DPR’
Council of Ministers on Aug.14 had granted Strelkov’s offer of
resignation as Defense Minister.
“The Council Chairman, Oleksandr Zakharchenko, explained the
important work Ihor Strelkov will be doing. It was announced at the
meeting that Zakharchenko ordered the introduction of a new job in the
Defense Ministry – that of the First Deputy Minister/Chief of General
Staff. Ihor Strelkov has been appointed to this job, his candidacy will
also be put up for approval by the DPR Supreme Council tomorrow,” the
statement said
Volodymyr Kononov has been appointed as the ‘DPR’ defense minister. His
candidacy, too, will be presented at a ‘DPR’ government meeting on Aug.
15.
