Zelenskyy nominates intelligence veteran Khmara as defence minister amid military shake-up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially nominated former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as the country's new defence minister, with parliament scheduled to vote on the appointment on Wednesday alongside the confirmation of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The ministerial transition follows the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, who has since publicly called for wartime elections, citing systemic corruption and governance challenges within Ukraine's leadership. Fedorov previously criticised entrenched military hierarchies that he argued sidelined capable commanders.

Meanwhile, newly appointed commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyj is advancing restructuring efforts across the armed forces, dismantling patronage networks and reorganising high-level command structures established under his predecessor.

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