All the local journalists were stirred by rumors of Horbulin’s dismissal. According to unconfirmed reports, Minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Kravchenko was to supplant him. Other sources reported Horbulin would be appointed Ukrainian ambassador for the US and Kravchenko Deputy Premier for legal questions. One way or another Horbulin was supposed to be dismissed as National Security and Defense Council secretary.
Nonetheless, The Day sources state that President Kuchma has already signed a decree naming Kravchenko as NSDC head, a chair even closer to the summit.
Rumors about Kravchenko’s retirement have already stirred the Internal Affairs Ministry several times. The minister has earned a reputation as a manager who has failed to investigate any big case. The print media has connected his name to a number of scandals, which in any civilized country would lead to a minister’s immediate retirement.
The minister reported regularly the neutralization of criminal groups and large volumes of confiscated firearms. Meanwhile, polls showed popular trust in law enforcement agences declining steadily. Under Kravchenko's management, the Internal Affairs Ministry became the most closed to the mass media, and this opacity meant it was out of society's control.
The Day's correspondent Tetiana Korobova telephoned Volodymyr Horbulin: "We're trying to check on the information about your retirement and Kravchenko's appointment."
"It's really easy to phone me and check. I think they don't call because they don't want to offend me. These rumors are four months old. As for Kravchenko, I can't say anything, because he's out of town right now."
"And in theory, do you think it possible that Kravchenko could get such a promotion as NSDC secretary?"
"I don't think so."
"Is the President hesitating?"
"It's hard to answer that question."
"So everything's OK?"
"Yes, let's say that it is."







