Ukraine prepares parliamentary vote on new defence minister amid military reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally submitted a proposal to parliament to appoint former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as defence minister, with a vote scheduled for Wednesday. Lawmakers are also expected to vote on confirming Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha following political restructuring triggered by the removal of former defence minister Mychajlo Fedorov.

Simultaneously, newly appointed armed forces commander Mychajlo Drapatyj is restructuring military command arrangements to resolve internal operational frictions. The leadership transition coincides with escalated Russian drone and missile strikes targeting Ukrainian critical infrastructure, including fuel depots and postal facilities. Highlighting the urgency, Fedorov warned that defensive capabilities must adapt quickly, stating, "if we do not stand up to them, they will crush us."

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