Ukraine prepares defence vote as new army chief overhauls military leadership

Ukrainian lawmakers are set to vote on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nomination of former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as defence minister, alongside the confirmation of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The cabinet reshuffle follows the removal of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, an action that sparked rare public protests. Following his dismissal, Fedorov publicly highlighted governance crises, wartime corruption, and structural obstacles facing successful officers within the military hierarchy, urging the government to hold national elections despite the ongoing conflict.

At the same time, new armed forces commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyj has initiated a comprehensive restructuring of Ukraine's top military command. Drapatyj, recognised for his frontline operational record, is moving to dismantle entrenched patronage networks and promote experienced combat officers.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy