Kim responded to protests against his appointment as Minister of Veterans Affairs

Vitaliy Kim, the former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, publicly responded to the wave of protests against his appointment as Minister of Veterans Affairs. 

He released a video statement on July 25.

In Odesa and other cities across Ukraine, daily street protests are continuing, demanding that Mykhailo Fedorov be reinstated as Ukraine’s Minister of Defense. 

Among the protesters’ demands is also the dismissal of Vitaliy Kim from the post of Minister of Veterans Affairs and the appointment of a veteran to that position.

An Intenta photojournalist is present at the protests in Odesa almost every day. People gather on Deribasovskaya Street near the City Garden.

On July 23, for example, protesters took to the streets carrying a sign that read “Give the Ministry of Veterans Affairs Back to the Veterans.”

<picture></picture>Photo: Intent

One of the participants, Vladislav, said he joined the protest to ensure that competent people are appointed to key positions. He expressed dissatisfaction with Kim’s appointment as head of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.

<picture></picture>Photo: Intent

In his address, Vitaliy Kim stated that he hears the criticism and partially agrees with it. 

“I see and hear what’s happening. I understand, and you’re partly right. But since 2022, my life has been the war. A lot has changed in my life—radically. Even though I’m in a civilian position, despite that, this is my whole life right now,” he said.

According to him, he decided for himself that he would be effective in this role, and, fully aware of the responsibility, made this decision.

 In his first week on the job, the official says, he has already received dozens of proposals for changes to government programs and has identified key issues that need to be addressed.

Kim promised to actively engage with the veteran community and the military to develop systemic changes. At the same time, he asked for time and support, stating that he has set a one-year goal for himself to deliver concrete results for veterans.

According to him, he will present his own proposals in the near future and plans to coordinate them with the country’s leadership, particularly regarding additional funding for the programs.

Ірина Глухова