Ukraine prepares parliamentary vote on new defense chief amid military overhaul

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has submitted a formal proposal to parliament to appoint Yevhen Khmara, former head of the secret service, as defense minister. Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on Wednesday regarding Khmara's confirmation alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The leadership reshuffle follows public discontent over the dismissal of former defense chief Mychajlo Fedorov.

Concurrently, newly appointed armed forces commander Mychajlo Drapatyj is reorganizing internal command structures to reform operational inefficiencies. The strategic shifts coincide with intensified Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's key infrastructure, postal facilities, and fuel supplies. Emphasizing the urgency of improving air defenses, Fedorov warned that "if we do not stand up to them, they will crush us."

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