The Rada endorsed Yevhen Khmara’s nomination for the position of defense minister
19 August 14:14
On Wednesday, August 19, the Verkhovna Rada voted to appoint Yevhen Khmara as Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
A total of 312 members of parliament voted in favor of Yevhen Khmara’s nomination. The newly appointed defense minister took the oath of office in the parliament chamber.
During the session, Yevhen Khmara announced that he had already resigned from military service. Under Ukrainian law, only a civilian may hold the position of Minister of Defense.
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Yevhen Khmara added that his key priorities as minister will be the front lines, the development of the armed forces, and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
“We need to seize the initiative in all domains—on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace. Everything must happen quickly. The military needs weapons. On time. Procurement will be directed exclusively toward the front lines, not toward anyone’s personal interests,” Yevhen Khmara stated.
He also stated that a “comprehensive decision” must be made regarding mobilization. Furthermore, the Ukrainian military must be trained, equipped, and integrated. The mobilization plan must be based on the vision for the war, and the ministry is already working on this with the General Staff.
Yevhen Khmara: What Is Known About Him
On April 14, 2023, Yevhen Khmara was appointed by decree of the President of Ukraine as head of the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) Center for Special Operations to Combat Terrorism and Protect Participants in Criminal Proceedings and Law Enforcement Officers.
On August 24, 2023, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
On June 23, 2024, he was promoted to the rank of major general.
On August 25, 2025, by a decree of the President of Ukraine, he was appointed head of the “A” Special Operations Center of the Security Service of Ukraine.
On January 5, 2026, he was appointed acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine.
On July 16, 2026, by order of the President of Ukraine, he was appointed Acting Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
Combat Operations
In 2023, he led a special operation to liberate Zmiinyi Island from the occupiers.
Awards
Order of Danylo Halytskyi (March 21, 2019)—for personal contributions to strengthening national security, courage, high professionalism, and exemplary performance of official duties.
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