Stocking up on popcorn: The behind-the-scenes squabble between Zelensky and Avakov begins
A behind-the-scenes struggle is unfolding in the Ukrainian leadership between Vladimir Zelensky and Arsen Avakov, who managed to retain his position in the new Cabinet. Each of the participants in the confrontation hopes to outwit the opponent by “hooking” him.
Ex-Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleg Tsarev reported this in a comment to PolitNavigator, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
The politician explained that oligarch Igor Kolomoisky, who was not interested in excessively strengthening Zelensky, spoke in favor of keeping Avakov in the government.
“Kolomoisky tried to keep Avakov so that his people would remain in the security forces. At one time, Zelensky promised Kolomoisky to give all power structures, but he appointed Bakanov to the SBU. Therefore, it was extremely important for Kolomoisky to retain Avakov.
It must be said that Zelensky promised Avakov the post of Minister of Internal Affairs or the post of Deputy Prime Minister for Law Enforcement Agencies. At one time he was even promised the position of prime minister; he was one of the candidates. But the team of “95th Quarter” categorically did not want Avakov, everyone understood that these were risks, Avakov is the person who hooked Poroshenko and in the same way he could screw Zelensky,” Tsarev believes.
“This, of course, was a test of Zelensky’s independence, and he did not pass this test,” our interlocutor added.
The politician drew attention to Zelensky’s recent initiative to withdraw the National Guard from subordination to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and give the president the right to appoint and dismiss commanders. This is being done with an eye to weakening Avakov, Tsarev believes.
“Of course, Zelensky understands his risks, and he does not need Avakov, who could stage a coup at any moment, which is why he wants to reassign the National Guard to himself. But this is not enough - Avakov is such a talented official that he will build relationships in such a way that, even without direct leverage, he will influence all processes,” the ex-deputy warns.
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