Zelenskyy Appoints New Defence Chief in Bid to Defuse Political Crisis

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), as interim defence minister in an effort to calm a political crisis triggered by the dismissal of reformist Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

The appointment follows rare public protests in Kyiv, Lviv and other Ukrainian cities, where hundreds of demonstrators called for Fedorov’s reinstatement. Fedorov, who was widely credited with modernising Ukraine’s military through the expansion of drone warfare, digital technologies and defence procurement reforms, was removed as part of a broader government reshuffle.

In announcing the appointment, Zelenskyy said Khmara had gained “extensive and unprecedented experience in technological combat operations” and was well suited to lead Ukraine’s defence ministry as the country continues its war against Russia. Khmara previously led the SBU’s elite Alpha unit, which has played a central role in long range strikes targeting Russian military and energy infrastructure.

The reshuffle exposed tensions within Ukraine’s military leadership. Speaking after his dismissal, Fedorov accused Commander in Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi of obstructing reforms and resisting efforts to modernise the armed forces. His removal also prompted the resignation of a senior commander involved in Ukraine’s drone warfare programme, adding to concerns about divisions within the country’s defence establishment.

The defence ministry changes coincided with the appointment of Sergii Koretskyi, former chief executive of state energy company Naftogaz, as Ukraine’s new prime minister. Zelenskyy said the broader cabinet overhaul is intended to strengthen wartime governance, improve defence capabilities and enhance the country’s resilience as Russia continues missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.

Parliament is expected to consider Khmara’s permanent appointment when it reconvenes, while the government seeks to restore political stability during a critical stage of the conflict.