Ukraine prepares parliamentary vote on new defence minister amid military reshuffle

Ukraine’s parliament is scheduled to vote on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s nomination of former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as defence minister, alongside the appointment of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The parliamentary vote follows the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, who subsequently criticised government corruption and called for wartime elections.

The civilian leadership transition coincides with significant structural changes in the military hierarchy under newly appointed armed forces commander Mykhailo Drapatyj. Drapatyj has begun dismantling entrenched command structures established under his predecessor, promoting experienced combat officers to senior positions. Together, the ministerial nomination and military command overhaul represent a major restructuring of Ukraine’s defence apparatus as the country continues to fight Russian forces.

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