President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Yevhenii Khmara as Ukraine's new defence minister, tasking him with reforming the nation's defence, production, and procurement systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the former acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as the country's new defence minister. The appointment was confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada. Zelenskyy has tasked Khmara with adjusting the national defence system, improving production and procurement, and ensuring the effective supply of troops ahead of the winter season.

Strategic Expectations and Cooperation

Zelenskyy stated that he expects the Ministry of Defence to expand the scope of deep strikes and collaborate with domestic weapons manufacturers to enhance the protection of Ukrainian skies. The President also emphasized the need to strengthen defensive and offensive operations in coordination with international partners. Zelenskyy noted that Khmara, who previously served in the Security Service of Ukraine's Alpha special operations centre, has already established good cooperation with Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi.

Anti-Corruption Investigations

Separately, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office are conducting a special operation targeting an alleged criminal organization. The investigation involves current and former members of parliament, as well as senior officials from the President's Office. Reports indicate that searches have been conducted at the premises of MP Vadym Stolar and Iryna Mudra, the Deputy Head of the President's Office. Zelenskyy did not mention the searches involving Mudra during his remarks on the new defence minister.