Zelenskyy nominates Khmara for defense minister amid military reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally nominated former secret service chief Yevhen Khmara to serve as defense minister. Parliament is set to vote on Khmara's confirmation alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Wednesday. The political appointment follows public protests sparked by the removal of former defense minister Mychajlo Fedorov.

Simultaneously, newly appointed military chief Mychajlo Drapatyj is restructuring command personnel to resolve systemic operational inefficiencies within the armed forces. These internal leadership shifts occur as Russian forces escalate drone and missile attacks against critical Ukrainian infrastructure, including fuel depots, logistical hubs, and postal facilities. Highlighting the critical need to bolster defense capabilities against aerial strikes, Fedorov warned that "if we do not stand up to them, they will crush us."

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