Ukraine's parliament returns from summer recess as decision on defense minister looms
The parliament went into recess in mid-July shortly after Zelensky announced an unexpected government reshuffle, with the ousting of popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov triggering mass protests across the country.
On August 18, Ukraine's parliament reconvened following its summer recess, as the nation awaited President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision on the next leader of two vital ministries. The parliamentary break concluded in mid-July after Zelensky's sudden cabinet reshuffle, which ousted popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and sparked widespread protests nationwide.
Zelensky has yet to officially nominate permanent candidates for the defense and foreign ministries, roles typically designated by the president rather than the prime minister. The parliament must subsequently approve any appointments. Yevhen Khmara, a former Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief, has been serving as the interim defense minister since July.
Andrii Sybiha, who held the foreign minister post since September 2024, has continued in his role as acting foreign minister under Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi's newly formed cabinet. Zelensky's intention to appoint either Khmara or Sybiha to permanent ministerial positions remains unclear. The fate of the defense minister is of particular concern, as protesters have once again gathered near the parliament building, demanding Fedorov's return—a stance the president adamantly opposes.
Khmara, an SBU veteran who commanded the agency's Alpha Special Operations Center, oversaw Ukraine's drone strikes against Russia and led the liberation of Snake Island in 2022. He assumed the acting defense minister role in January 2026, following Vasyl Maliuk's departure. Zelensky has previously praised Khmara's extensive, unprecedented experience in technological strike operations, noting Ukraine's defense should prioritize long-range capabilities, a focus that aligned with Fedorov's approach during his tenure.
Khmara, a major general without prior government service, must formally leave active duty before assuming a permanent ministerial position under Ukrainian law. While Zelensky initially refused calls to reinstate Fedorov, he eventually agreed to remove Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, replacing him with General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a respected military leader.
Syrskyi's conflict with Fedorov was cited as the primary reason for the latter's dismissal. Fedorov's future remains uncertain, as Zelensky previously offered him a prominent government role in strengthening Ukraine's technological sector, either as deputy prime minister for military innovations or as head of Ukroboronprom, Ukraine's state-owned defense conglomerate. Fedorov has rejected these alternatives, insisting he desires only the defense minister position.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
