Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the initial cooperation between newly appointed Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara and military chief Mykhailo Drapatyi in a national video address.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the working relationship between the two commanders, saying Ukraine must and will be as confident as possible in its defence and positions ahead of the winter season.
Mandate for defence leadership
Outlining his primary task for the new defence minister, Zelenskyy said Khmara must focus on restructuring the nation's defence, weapon production, procurement, and military supply systems.
He said these adjustments are necessary to ensure that the defence of life in Ukraine receives everything required to repel Russian strikes, hold front-line positions, and conduct active operations that deliver tangible counterstrikes against Russian terror.
Zelenskyy noted that Khmara had previously demonstrated his commitment through his service in the elite Alpha special operations unit, proving that he does not make empty promises and understands that occupiers cannot be defeated with words alone.
Deep strikes and air defence goals
The president said he expects the Ministry of Defence to expand the reach of deep strikes against enemy targets while working alongside domestic arms manufacturers to strengthen air defence capabilities.
He added that the ministry must collaborate with international partners to enhance both defensive operations and offensive actions by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Parliamentary approval and background
Khmara's appointment as defence minister was approved by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on August 19, with 312 lawmakers voting in favour of the decision.
His confirmation follows the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on July 22.
The appointments follow a period of political tension in Kyiv, where public protests erupted on July 16 after media reports indicated that Zelenskyy would not submit Mykhailo Fedorov's candidacy for defence minister in the new government.
Zelenskyy later explained that Fedorov's departure was prompted by a conflict between Fedorov and former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
