Ukraine's parliament has approved Yevhenii Khmara as the country's new defence minister, cementing a key leadership change as Kyiv navigates wartime priorities and a broader government reorganisation.
Lawmakers in the Verkhovna Rada backed Khmara's appointment with a comfortable majority, formally placing him in charge of the Defence Ministry after he had served as acting minister since July.
The vote also confirmed Andriy Sybiha's return as foreign minister, completing appointments to two of the most important positions in Ukraine's government.
Khmara takes over the ministry following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov during a cabinet reshuffle ordered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last month.
Before assuming the role on an interim basis, Khmara held a senior security position as acting head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). His background in intelligence and national security is expected to shape his approach as Ukraine continues to face major military and strategic challenges in its war with Russia.
His appointment received strong backing in parliament, reflecting broad support within the governing coalition for the leadership transition.
Following the vote, Khmara took the official oath of office in the parliamentary chamber.
Parliament also voted to reinstate Andriy Sybiha as foreign minister after he had temporarily led the ministry following the reshuffle in July.
Sybiha is already a familiar figure in Ukrainian diplomacy and has played a prominent role in Kyiv's engagement with Western allies and international organisations throughout the conflict.
His confirmation brings continuity to Ukraine's diplomatic leadership as the country remains heavily reliant on international military, financial and political support.
Like Khmara, Sybiha was formally sworn into office after lawmakers approved his nomination.
The appointments are part of a broader restructuring of Ukraine's government that has unfolded in recent weeks.
The changes have coincided with growing debate over governance, political accountability and the country's long-term future as the war continues.
That discussion intensified after former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine should consider holding elections even during the conflict. He also warned that corruption remained a serious challenge and described it as a sign of deeper systemic problems within the country's governance structures.
Fedorov's remarks have added a political dimension to an already intense debate over accountability, reform and the future of Ukraine's state institutions.
For President Zelenskyy's administration, the parliamentary confirmations remove uncertainty over two critical ministries responsible for defence and foreign policy.
With Khmara now formally overseeing the country's defence portfolio and Sybiha continuing to direct Ukraine's diplomatic efforts, the government is seeking to maintain stability at the highest levels while pursuing its military objectives and sustaining crucial international partnerships.
The appointments come as questions over governance and political reform remain firmly in focus. Ukrainian authorities maintain that wartime conditions make elections difficult, while Fedorov's comments have intensified debate over political accountability and the country's future direction.
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