Khmara Takes the Defense Ministry – as Fedorov Takes Aim at 'the System'
The Verkhovna Rada has appointed a new defense minister. Fedorov did not return to the post. Instead, he recorded a video address criticizing the system and raising the idea of elections – an idea critics call unworkable in wartime.
Ukraine's parliament has appointed Yevhen Khmara as the new defense minister, following his appointment as acting minister a month prior. Khmara, a general who relinquished his rank to take the position, received overwhelming support from lawmakers with 312 votes. This supports the belief that the Presidential Office worked closely with members of parliament to secure his appointment.
Khmara's relatively low-profile status as a former general who may not understand the workings of the Defense Ministry could be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Some lawmakers expressed disappointment that Khmara had little understanding of procurement procedures, but he has stated that he wants to preserve the core of Fedorov's team and introduced reforms such as tenders instead of direct procurement and reformed food procurement for military personnel. Despite the challenges, many are placing their hopes in Khmara due to his youth and persistence.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- After weeks of rallying behind Fedorov, protesters reject his call for wartime elections in Ukraine euronews.com
- Sacked defense minister Fedorov promises new ‘game-changers’ outside government, addresses public outcry english.nv.ua
- Protests in Kyiv back ex-defence minister Fedorov’s call for elections aljazeera.com
- “Fedorov instead of Khmara”: Ukrainian protesters outside parliament greet news of new defense minister’s appointment with disapproval euromaidanpress.com
