Ukraine prepares for defence leadership vote amid military overhaul

The Ukrainian parliament is scheduled to vote on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nomination of former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as the country's new defence minister, alongside the confirmation of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The leadership shift comes in the wake of the dismissal of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose removal triggered unusual public backlash. Fedorov has since voiced criticism regarding wartime governance and corruption, calling for the organisation of national elections.

At the same time, the newly appointed commander of the armed forces, Mykhailo Drapatyj, has initiated structural changes across the military hierarchy. His reforms focus on dismantling internal patronage networks associated with previous command structures and advancing successful frontline commanders into senior operational and strategic roles.

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