President Volodymyr Zelenskiy nominated Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of the SBU domestic security service, as Ukraine's new acting defence minister on Thursday. The appointment follows the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35-year-old official known for his focus on technological warfare and drone integration. The reshuffle occurred as the Ukrainian parliament also approved a new government led by energy executive Sergii Koretskyi.
The removal of Fedorov prompted public demonstrations in Kyiv, where hundreds of protesters gathered to demand his reinstatement. Fedorov stated he declined an advisory role after being excluded from the new cabinet. He publicly criticized military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, accusing the general of blocking ministry initiatives. Syrskyi responded by calling for national unity and focusing on the ongoing war effort.
Khmara, the nominee to lead the defence ministry, previously commanded the SBU's Alpha team, which has been responsible for long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure. President Zelenskiy stated that Khmara’s experience in technological combat operations is essential for the country's current defense strategy. The Ukrainian parliament is expected to consider Khmara's permanent appointment during its next session, scheduled for August 18.