Key facts
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Rustem Umerov as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.
- Umerov previously served as chief negotiator and Defense Minister.
- Ihor Klymenko, former minister of internal affairs, will replace Umerov as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
- The appointments are part of a broader security reshuffle announced in July.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Rustem Umerov, the nation's chief negotiator and former Defense Minister, to lead the Foreign Intelligence Service. The decision was formalized through a decree published by the presidential office. Umerov's previous position as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council will be filled by Ihor Klymenko, who previously served as the minister of internal affairs. This reshuffling of Ukraine's security leadership, announced by Zelenskyy in July, aims to bring "more strength" to the wartime command structure. Umerov's expanded portfolio will encompass diplomacy, defense, negotiations with international partners, and efforts to end the ongoing conflict. He will also continue his work on the EU–Ukraine Drone Deal.