At its session on August 19, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Yevhen Khmara as Ukraine’s defense minister. 312 MPs voted in favor.
The candidate was introduced by the president’s representative in parliament, Halyna Mykhailiuk. The opposition demanded that the head of state do it instead.
Mykhailiuk described Yevhen Khmara as an experienced combat specialist in counterterrorism operations and unmanned technologies, with relevant training in Ukraine and abroad.
“He took part in many liberation operations during the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion. In particular, the liberation of Kyiv Region, combat missions in Donetsk Region, and the special operation to liberate Snake Island. He began his service in the Omega special forces unit. Since 2011, he served in the SBU’s Alpha special unit, and since 2023 he headed the SBU’s ‘A’ Special Operations Center,” Mykhailiuk said.
In remarks before the vote, Yevhen Khmara said Ukraine knows Russia’s next steps, its mobilization plans, and its strategy for autumn and winter. They will do everything to reduce its potential and force it to peace. That is why synergy at all levels is important, he said.
“You can force the enemy to peace only through the strength of our army—through our technological and symmetric solutions. First and foremost, through constant renewal and effective use of technology. We have erased distances: for the facilities that fuel Russia’s war, there are no longer any safe zones. For the first time in history, we are striking even in Siberia,” he said.
The targets are the defense industry, military logistics, fuel infrastructure, and the entire economic base of the enemy’s war. An advantage at the front will be achieved through commanders’ professionalism and soldiers’ training.
Three equal priorities:
- The front and strengthening the armed forces. Here, Khmara cited seizing the strategic initiative on land and at sea, in the air and in the information space; timely deliveries of weapons that produce results and serve the front rather than someone’s interests; and further deep strikes and mid-range strikes.
- People. The most important thing is the lives and health of soldiers. Developing technologies to minimize risks. Communication with service members, including the wounded.
- Development of the defense industry. The defense-industrial complex is the foundation of strength today and security for years ahead; they plan to develop and expand it.
The Defense Ministry had been without a full-fledged leader since July 14, when lawmakers dismissed Yuliia Svyrydenko’s government. On August 16, MPs appointed ministers whose nominations depend on the prime minister. There were no presidential nominations for the defense minister and foreign minister. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that for now the ministry would be led in an acting capacity by Yevhen Khmara—acting head of the SBU and head of the ‘A’ Special Operations Center, an effective unit that fights the occupiers and, in particular, carries out deep strikes. On July 17, the Cabinet of Ministers approved him in the post.
At the same time, under the law, only a civilian has the right to serve as Ukraine’s defense minister. Khmara was discharged from military service before the appointment.
Throughout the period after Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal, protests were held in various cities across Ukraine. The former minister himself said he would wait until the Verkhovna Rada returned from recess and only then make career decisions, since he had not heard a clear “no” from the president about the possibility of reappointment. On August 18, the day MPs returned to plenary work, Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted nominees for defense minister and foreign minister: Yevhen Khmara and Andrii Sybiha.
Yevhen Khmara: Biography
Since spring 2023, Yevhen Khmara has led the SBU’s Special Operations Center for counterterrorism, protection of participants in criminal proceedings, and protection of law enforcement officers. That same year he received the rank of brigadier general, and the following year he became a major general. He led the special operation to liberate Snake Island.
Since August 2025, he has headed the SBU’s ‘A’ Special Operations Center, one of the most effective units for striking the enemy.
Since January 5, he served as the SBU’s temporary acting head.
He was awarded the Order of Danylo Halytskyi (March 21, 2019) for personal заслуги in strengthening national security, courage, high professionalism, and exemplary performance of official duty.