President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the appointment of Yevhen Khmara as the acting Minister of Defense, signaling a tactical pivot toward intensifying long-range strikes against enemy infrastructure, as reported by the Presidential Office. Khmara, formerly the head of the SBU’s elite ‘Alpha’ special operations unit, is tasked with applying his expertise in high-precision warfare to the broader defense apparatus.
President Zelenskyy highlighted that Khmara’s performance in the security sector made him the logical choice for this transition. “Khmara was responsible for the Security Service’s long-range operations—a top priority for the state,” the President stated during his evening address. This move follows a period of internal friction within the Ukrainian government, necessitating broader personnel rotations to ensure operational unity. The administration aims to bridge the gap between defense capabilities and military command effectiveness.
The removal of the former minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was attributed to a breakdown in communication and a professional conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy admitted that the situation reached a point where his personal mediation was required just to facilitate basic coordination meetings. The appointment of Khmara is intended to resolve these management failures, as he is expected to impose stricter internal controls and enhance accountability within the Ministry of Defense.
Khmara’s mandate extends beyond strategic military goals. He is expected to lead internal reforms to prevent misconduct and ensure that the Ministry operates with maximum efficiency. As the country braces for upcoming geopolitical and seasonal challenges, such as the winter preparation phase, the government is prioritizing leaders who demonstrate both operational success and administrative discipline. The President confirmed he has already discussed the legal procedures for Khmara’s permanent appointment with Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyy, and his candidacy will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada shortly. For Ukraine, this transition represents a push for a more integrated and lethal defense posture, ensuring that the Ministry of Defense functions as a cohesive unit capable of executing complex, long-range missions in the fight against Russian aggression.