Analyst calls Umerov's foreign intel chief appointment 'typical chaos'

Political analyst Andriy Horodnytskyi has criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appointment of Rustem Umerov as head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS), deeming it typical of chaotic personnel decisions that have intensified recently. Horodnytskyi, a Ph.D., argued that Zelenskyy's appointments lack clear principles and that intelligence work requires specialized skills and experience that are not reflected in Umerov's background.

Horodnytskyi suggested Umerov's appointment is linked to former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak's "quota," as Umerov is a close friend of Yermak. The analyst believes Zelenskyy has lost the ability to make strategic appointments and is instead catering to his inner circle. He contrasted Umerov with other officials who demonstrated independence, such as Mykhailo Fedorov and Yulia Svyrydenko.

Horodnytskyi emphasized the critical nature of the FIS chief role, particularly in negotiating a ceasefire, and condemned the practice of appointing unqualified personnel to such positions.