Zelenskyy nominates new defense chief as Ukraine reorganizes military leadership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally nominated Yevhen Khmara, former head of the secret service, to serve as Defense Minister, with a parliamentary vote scheduled for Wednesday alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Khmara’s nomination follows the dismissal of Mychajlo Fedorov, whose removal sparked public criticism.

Simultaneously, newly appointed military chief Mychajlo Drapatyj has begun restructuring command practices to address operational inefficiencies inherited from previous leadership. The administrative changes unfold as Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes against key Ukrainian infrastructure, including postal networks and fuel depots. Commenting on the heightened aerial threats, former minister Fedorov warned, "if we do not stand up to them, they will crush us," emphasizing the critical need for strengthened air defense systems.

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