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Parliament confirms Yevhen Khmara as Ukraine's defense minister

Created at 19 Aug · 10:41 AM2 sources↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Ukraine's parliament has confirmed Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister with 312 votes. President Volodymyr Zelensky nominated Khmara, who previously served as acting minister, following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov in July.

Key Numbers

312lawmakers voted to confirm Khmara
226votes required for appointment
July 16Khmara appointed acting defense minister
Aug. 19parliament vote date

Who's Involved

Yevhen Khmara
newly confirmed Defense Minister of Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine who nominated Khmara
Mykhailo Fedorov
ousted Defense Minister
Parliament confirms Yevhen Khmara as Ukraine's defense minister

↳ Why This Matters

The confirmation of Yevhen Khmara as defense minister solidifies President Zelensky's leadership in the defense sector and signals a continued focus on technological strike capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.

Key facts

  • Yevhen Khmara has been confirmed as Ukraine's defense minister by parliament.
  • Khmara received 312 votes in favor of his appointment.
  • He previously served as acting defense minister since July 16.
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky nominated Khmara for the position.

    • Ukraine's parliament has officially confirmed Yevhenii Khmara as the country's new defense minister, following his appointment as acting minister in July. Khmara secured the position with a decisive 312 votes on August 19. President Volodymyr Zelensky had initially appointed Khmara as acting defense minister on July 16, a day after dismissing Mykhailo Fedorov. Zelensky has previously lauded Khmara's extensive experience in technological strike operations, aligning with his vision for Ukraine's defense to prioritize long-range capabilities. Khmara, who holds the rank of major general, had no prior government service before his interim appointment. His leadership experience includes overseeing Ukraine's long-range drone strikes against Russia and commanding the operation to liberate Snake Island in 2022. He also briefly served as the acting head of the SBU in January 2026 after Vasyl Maliuk stepped down.

    Frequently asked questions

    Yevhen Khmara is a former top Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer who has been confirmed as Ukraine's new defense minister. He previously commanded the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center and led operations like the liberation of Snake Island.

    The article states that Mykhailo Fedorov was fired as defense minister on July 15, the day before Khmara was appointed acting minister. The specific reasons for his dismissal are not detailed.

    Khmara has extensive experience in technological strike operations, including overseeing Ukraine's long-range drone strikes against Russia. He also led the operation to liberate Snake Island in 2022 and briefly served as acting head of the SBU.

    What Happens Next

    01The future of the pro-Fedorov protest movement will become clearer.

    How It Developed

    Parliament approved Yevhen Khmara as defense minister with 312 votes.
    President Volodymyr Zelensky nominated Yevhenii Khmara as new defence minister.
    Khmara was confirmed by Ukraine's parliament on Wednesday.
    The appointment was backed by 312 lawmakers, exceeding the 226 needed for a majority.

    Sources

    T1
    Ukraine's parliament approves Yevhenii Khmara as new defence ministerReuters
    T1
    Parliament votes through Yevhen Khmara to succeed Fedorov as defense ministerThe Kyiv Independent

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