Ukraine's parliament to vote on new defence minister amid military leadership reshuffle

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 26, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-26-1700
Ukraine's parliament to vote on new defence minister amid military leadership reshuffle
Photo: Seznam Zprávy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has nominated Yevhen Khmara as Defence Minister, as parliament prepares for a confirmation vote alongside wider military leadership changes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially nominated former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as Defence Minister, with a parliamentary confirmation vote scheduled for Wednesday alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The political transition follows the dismissal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who sparked debate by criticizing government corruption and calling for wartime elections. Meanwhile, newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyj has assumed operational command of the armed forces. Drapatyj, recognized for his tactical role in Mariupol in 2014, has initiated structural changes aimed at dismantling patronage networks left by previous leadership and improving military management.

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

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