Photo: facebook.com/SecurSerUkraine
Ukraine’s new Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara has decided to retain the ministry’s existing leadership team while bringing in several new officials, he told journalists.
Khmara said his priority was to preserve the continuity of the Defense Ministry’s work.
“Strong professionals with the necessary expertise and commitment to the state remain in the ministry. Their task is to ensure continuity, continue key projects and strengthen areas that require additional attention,” he said.
At the same time, several new officials are joining the team:
- Mykola Shvydkyi has been appointed deputy defense minister responsible for the front line.
- Liubov Halan will oversee the development and preservation of the Defense Forces’ human capital.
- Serhii Boiov has returned to the team at Khmara’s initiative, with his experience considered important for working with international partners.
- Hanna Hvozdiar is expected to become deputy minister responsible for the defense industry and exports.
The ministry also plans to strengthen its digital transformation and cognitive warfare divisions. A candidate with combat and Defense Ministry experience is being considered for the digital portfolio, while a candidate for the cognitive warfare position has already been selected and assigned responsibilities.
Fedorov’s possible return
Asked whether former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov could return to the ministry as an adviser or in another capacity, Khmara said the two had met once in July.
During the meeting, Khmara proposed finding a model or format that would allow them to continue working together on joint projects. He said he did not offer Fedorov a specific position.
Khmara added that he had not yet received a response from Fedorov.
Khmara became Ukraine’s defense minister on August 19, after previously serving as acting minister. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed him following Fedorov’s dismissal.
On the same day, Khmara told parliament that he had resigned from military service in order to take the civilian position.
