Ukraine's President Zelensky Taps Ex-Interior Minister for Security Council

• President Zelensky proposed former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to lead Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
• Klymenko is tasked with coordinating all components of the security and defence sector, including defence production.
• The appointment follows the dismissal of the defense minister, which triggered protests.
• Yevhen Khmara is proposed to succeed the defense minister.
• Parliament has approved a new Cabinet, but foreign and defense minister posts remain vacant.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to lead Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. This appointment comes after the dismissal of a popular defense minister, which sparked protests for a second day. Klymenko, who was previously considered for the defense minister role, will be tasked with coordinating the security and defense sector. The ousting of the previous defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, reportedly stemmed from a rift with military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Yevhenii Khmara has been proposed as the acting defense minister. Meanwhile, protesters have rallied outside Zelensky's office demanding Fedorov's reappointment. Parliament has approved a new Cabinet, but the foreign and defense minister posts remain vacant.