Ukraine's Zelenskyy names Yevheni Hmara deputy defense minister, eyes him for top post

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Yevheni Hmara as the deputy defense minister, a move that signals a potential shift in the country's military leadership. The appointment comes as Defense Minister Myhailo Fedorov resigned from his position on Wednesday, with Kyiv Independent reporting he was dismissed.

Zelenskyy expressed his intention to formally request the parliament's approval for Hmara to assume the role of defense minister. "Once the necessary legal procedures are completed, I will ask members of parliament to support the appointment of Yevheni Hmara as Ukraine's defense minister," Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform X.

Hmara previously led the Alfa special forces unit of the security services, a unit described as one of the most effective in the Ukrainian army. His background in special operations suggests a focus on tactical and operational effectiveness within the defense ministry.

Fedorov had been appointed to his position in January. The reasons for his resignation or dismissal were not immediately detailed, but the change indicates a restructuring or a response to evolving needs within Ukraine's defense apparatus amid the ongoing conflict.

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Once the necessary legal procedures are completed, I will ask members of parliament to support the appointment of Yevheni Hmara as Ukraine's defense minister.