Umerov outlines priorities as new Foreign Intelligence chief

Rustem Umerov, recently named head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, outlined his primary objectives in a Facebook post after taking office on August 3. In his message, Umerov expressed his gratitude to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his confidence in him and emphasized that the Foreign Intelligence Service should serve as a more potent instrument for safeguarding Ukraine's national interests.

He listed developing international cooperation, executing strategic defense projects, and enhancing the agency's capabilities as his main priorities.

Umerov highlighted the importance of strengthening security, intelligence, and defense cooperation with international partners, which Ukraine has established with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, European Union member states, Middle Eastern nations, the Persian Gulf states, Turkey, South Caucasus countries, and others.

As the new Foreign Intelligence chief, Umerov intends to concentrate on implementing President Zelenskyy's strategic initiatives, including the Drone Deal project and the Freya anti-ballistic missile program. These projects aim to bolster the defense and security capabilities of Ukraine and its allies.

Umerov further stated that his role would involve guaranteeing the Foreign Intelligence Service has the necessary resources and creating an environment that enables the agency to function optimally. On August 3, Zelenskyy removed Umerov from his position as secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council and appointed him as the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service. The relevant decree was published on the president's website.