Key facts
- Ukraine's parliament reconvened on August 18 after its summer recess.
- The defense and foreign ministries remain vacant of permanent leadership.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not yet submitted nominations for the vacant posts.
- Yevhenii Khmara is serving as acting defense minister.
- Andrii Sybiha is serving as acting foreign minister.
- Protests have continued calling for the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Ukraine's parliament reconvened on August 18 following its summer recess, with the critical defense and foreign ministries still lacking permanent leadership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has yet to formally nominate candidates for these positions, which are proposed by the president and require parliamentary approval. Yevhenii Khmara, a former acting chief of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), is serving as the acting defense minister, while Andrii Sybiha continues as acting foreign minister. The absence of permanent leadership comes amid ongoing protests, with demonstrators calling for the reinstatement of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed in July. Fedorov had pushed for advancements in long-range capabilities and technological strike operations. Zelenskyy previously cited alleged conflicts between Fedorov and former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi as a reason for the dismissal. Syrskyi has since been replaced by General Mykhailo Drapatyi. Fedorov has reportedly rejected offers for other government positions, insisting on returning as defense minister.