President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined the tasks for newly appointed Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara.
As Zelensky said in his evening video address on August 19, the main thing is “real fine-tuning of our defense system, the system of production and procurement, and the system of supplying the troops.”
“Such fine-tuning so that protecting life in Ukraine receives everything necessary to repel Russian strikes, to hold positions at the front, and for our active actions and to deliver tangible strikes against Russia in response to its terror,” the head of state added.
Zelensky said he expects the Defense Ministry to expand “the scope for employing our deep strikes, together with Ukrainian weapons manufacturers to provide more capabilities to protect Ukraine’s skies, and together with partners to add capabilities to our defensive operations and our offensive actions.”
The president added that “there is already good cooperation between Khmara and Drapatyi.”
- That same day, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Khmara as head of the Defense Ministry.
- Under the law, only a civilian may serve as Ukraine’s defense minister. Therefore, Khmara was discharged from military service before the appointment.
Who Is Yevhen Khmara
- Since spring 2023, Yevhen Khmara headed the SBU Center for Special Operations for Counterterrorism, protection of participants in criminal proceedings, and law enforcement officers. That same year he received the rank of brigadier general, and the following year became a major general. He led the special operation to liberate Zmiinyi Island.
- Since August 2025, he headed the SBU Special Operations Center “A,” one of the most effective units for striking the enemy.
- Since January 5, he served as acting head of the SBU.
- 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.