Ukraine President names Yevhenii Khmara acting defence minister after Fedorov's dismissal

Published 16 July 2026 · politics

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (July 16) appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), as the country's acting defence minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (July 16) appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), as the country's acting defence minister. The government faced mounting criticism and public protests over the dismissal of popular defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov. Announcing the decision on Telegram, Zelensky said he would ask parliament to approve Khmara's appointment, describing the security official's experience in coordinating long-range operations against Russia as a key qualification for the role. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Who is Yevhenii Khmara and why was he appointed acting defense minister of Ukraine? ⌵ Yevhenii Khmara, previously the acting head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), was appointed acting defense minister due to his experience coordinating long-range operations against Russia, which President Zelensky described as a key qualification for the role. 2 What led to the public protests in Ukraine following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov? ⌵ The public protests erupted as many citizens demanded the reinstatement of Fedorov, who was seen as a reform-minded leader modernizing Ukraine's defense, especially in drone warfare, and discontent regarding Zelensky's leadership increased.

3 Why did Mykhailo Fedorov criticize military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi after his dismissal? ⌵ Fedorov accused Syrskyi of obstructing key defense reforms and fostering divisions within the military, claiming that instead of focusing on defeating Russia, Syrskyi's actions were harming national unity. 4 What challenges does Ukraine face in its ongoing war against Russia after Fedorov's removal? ⌵ Ukraine continues to struggle with manpower shortages, limited air defense systems, and intensified Russian missile attacks, even as it experiences some of its strongest battlefield momentum since late 2022. 5 How has President Zelensky addressed the tensions within Ukraine's military leadership? ⌵ Zelensky has called for unity among military leaders, acknowledging tensions between Fedorov and Syrskyi while emphasizing that the president should not take sides during wartime disputes. "I have assigned Yevhenii Khmara to perform the duties of minister, continue reforming the defence sector, and ensure Ukraine achieves all the results we have spoken about," Zelensky wrote. SBU chief tapped to lead defence ministry Zelensky said the Security Service had distinguished itself through long-range strikes on Russian military targets and argued that Khmara's experience would strengthen Ukraine's defence leadership during the war.