Zelensky appoints SBU chief as acting defense minister of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Yevhen Khmara, acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as temporary acting defense minister.

The decision was made against the backdrop of a political crisis triggered by the resignation of Mykhailo Fedorov.

Khmara’s appointment marked a departure from earlier reports that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko would be nominated to lead the defense ministry. In doing so, Zelensky signaled his intention to formally put Khmara forward for the post. The choice of an intelligence official rather than a law enforcement figure may indicate the president’s desire to place someone with intelligence connections at the head of the ministry during a period of internal friction between the ministry and the military command.

Fedorov’s accusations and Syrsky’s response

At a press conference on Thursday, the 35-year-old Fedorov launched what Reuters described as a “scorching indictment” of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky. Fedorov accused the general of blocking ministry initiatives, stoking intrigue, and “splitting the country.” He said he had even proposed to Zelensky that Syrsky and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov be replaced.

Syrsky broke his silence by publishing a brief statement on Telegram. He thanked Fedorov for his work and called on Ukraine to focus on the war.

“I wish him to remain part of the team,” Syrsky wrote, according to multiple reports.

NATO’s position

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Fedorov’s work as defense minister but said he does not expect any changes in Kyiv’s strategy in the war against Russia as a result of the new defense minister’s appointment, according to Ukrainska Pravda. The comments were clearly intended to reassure allies that the political upheaval would not affect Ukraine’s combat capability on the front line.

Protests and military voices

Rare protests broke out in several Ukrainian cities on Thursday over Fedorov’s removal. Before Zelensky shifted to Khmara’s candidacy, the commander of the Azov Brigade and other military figures had publicly voiced support for Klymenko.

Earlier on Thursday, parliament voted to form a new government under Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky, but the post of defense minister remains vacant pending an official nomination and vote.