Ukraine prepares for parliament vote on defence minister as military shake-up continues

Ukraine's parliament is scheduled to vote on Wednesday on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nomination of former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as the country's new defence minister. Lawmakers are also set to confirm Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during the session.

The vote follows the dismissal of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose removal sparked public debate. Fedorov subsequently criticised systemic governance issues, warned against wartime corruption, and called for national elections.

Concurrently, newly appointed armed forces commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyj is reshaping senior military ranks. Drapatyj, recognised for his frontline command since 2014, has moved to dismantle legacy patronage networks and elevate experienced combat officers to higher operational positions.

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