Ukrainian defense minister tenders resignation

Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has tendered his resignation to newly-appointed President Vladimir Zelensky.

Poltorak posted his resignation statement on Facebook on Monday.

"Mr. President of Ukraine and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, I respect your constitutional right to nominate a Ukrainian defense minister and to request a confirmation of this appointment by the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada. Therefore, in accordance with the Ukrainian laws 'On National Security of Ukraine' and 'On Cabinet of Ukraine', I ask you to consider my resignation as the Ukrainian defense minister in the established procedure," the statement reads.

Poltorak was appointed Ukrainian defense minister on October 14, 2014, Interfax recalls.