President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Yevhen Khmara, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as acting defense minister. This decision comes two days after the controversial dismissal of former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which sparked widespread protests and criticism within Ukraine's political and military circles.
Explaining the move, President Zelensky emphasized the importance of maintaining a strategic vision for Ukraine's active defense and its efforts to compel Russia toward a diplomatic solution. He highlighted Khmara's extensive experience, particularly in directing long-range offensive operations against Russia and managing personnel at the SBU's Alpha special operations center, as key advantages for the defense minister role. He also tasked Khmara with continuing defense sector reforms and implementing agreed-upon goals.
President Zelensky confirmed he would submit Khmara's nomination to the Ukrainian parliament for approval as defense minister, following the completion of necessary legal procedures. The next parliamentary session is scheduled for 18/8. Zelensky also stated that the Ukrainian government would continue current programs to strengthen defense capabilities, including: direct funding for combat brigades, more efficient personnel allocation among units, ensuring maximum drone supply for the National Guard of Ukraine, and rapid implementation of agreements reached with international partners.
 |
President Zelensky (left) meets with SBU head Yevhen Khmara on 16/7. *Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine*.
Fedorov's dismissal from his defense post on 16/7 sent shockwaves through Ukrainian politics. The Ukrainian parliament subsequently approved a new government led by former Naftogaz national energy group head Serhiy Koretsky. However, Koretsky's initial cabinet list notably lacked a defense minister and foreign minister, underscoring the political sensitivities surrounding Fedorov's departure.
 |
Major Yevhen Khmara speaks in Kyiv on 7/5, while serving as acting director of the SBU. *Photo: AFP*.
The decision to remove Fedorov triggered significant public outcry and led to protests across the country. In Kyiv, around 1,000-2,000 people, including many soldiers and veterans, gathered to voice their opposition. Adding to the controversy, Ukrainian Air Force Deputy Commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigned, warning that Fedorov's dismissal would cause "heavy damage and casualties at the front lines."
On 16/7, former minister Fedorov held a press conference, revealing long-standing conflicts with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrsky regarding armed forces reform. He disclosed that he had proposed replacing both Commander-in-Chief Syrsky and Chief of General Staff Andrii Hnatov, believing this was a measure for "Ukraine to defeat Russia with minimal losses," but this proposal was not approved by Zelensky.
By Thanh Danh (Reuters, Kyiv Post)
