Zelenskyy nominates Yevhen Khmara as new defense minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has introduced Yevhen Khmara, the current head of the country's security service, as the acting defense minister. This decision follows the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has triggered protest demonstrations in several Ukrainian cities.

According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Ukrainian government. Under current Ukrainian legislation, Khmara cannot simultaneously lead the security service and serve as defense minister. Consequently, he is expected to resign from his current post to allow his nomination to be formally submitted to the parliament for approval. President Zelenskyy has specifically highlighted Khmara's extensive experience in managing long-range operations against Russia as a primary qualification for the role.

The political transition has faced public scrutiny, with over 1,000 protesters gathering outside the presidential administration in Kyiv, chanting slogans demanding the reinstatement of Fedorov. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian parliament has officially confirmed the composition of a new government led by Serhiy Koretskyi. These changes occur as Ukraine continues to navigate complex security challenges and ongoing military operations, underscoring the significance of leadership stability within the defense sector during wartime.