Ukraine’s new defense minister outlines mobilization approach and troop support

On August 19, Ukraine's new Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara addressed his approach to mobilization in parliament, stating that it requires a "comprehensive decision." This, according to him, begins with recognizing the importance of the current situation of the military, focusing on the dignity and conditions of troops, their selection, recruitment, equipment, training, and provision of weapons.

Khmara added that the mobilization plan will follow, once the military conditions are met. The plan itself relies on an overall war strategy that is still in development, which Khmara is currently coordinating with Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi and the General Staff. This plan will subsequently be presented to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for review.

Ukraine's government saw a change in its composition on July 16, with Serhiy Koretskyi appointed as Prime Minister. Subsequently, on July 17, Khmara and Andrii Sybiha were appointed as acting Defense and Foreign Ministers respectively. These appointments were officially approved by parliament on August 18, following which Khmara was officially appointed as Ukraine's Defense Minister on August 19. When asked about his background, Khmara mentioned that he had left military service.