Zelenskyy Outlined Khmara's Main Task As Defense Minister
- 19.08.2026, 20:56
We are talking about sweeping changes in the defense ministry's operations and Ukraine's preparations for winter.
The new leadership of the Ministry of Defense has been tasked with stepping up weapons production and procurement, as well as supplying the troops and air defense systems, in order to enter the winter with the defense forces as well-prepared as possible.
This was reported by Charter97.org, citing a video address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the head of state, one of the main tasks for the new Minister of Defense, Yevhen Khmara, should be to restructure the entire Ukrainian defense system. This involves the production and procurement of weapons, their distribution to the troops, and strengthening defenses against Russian attacks.
“My main task for Ukraine’s defense minister under these circumstances is to effectively overhaul our defense system, our production and procurement systems, and our supply chain to the troops,” Zelenskyy stated.
He noted that the Ukrainian military must receive everything necessary to repel Russian attacks, hold their positions on the front lines, and conduct active operations.
The president also emphasized the need to deliver significant blows to Russia in response to its acts of terror. According to him, Ukraine must work to deprive Russia of the ability to continue the war.
Zelenskyy also spoke highly of the experience of Khmara, who previously served in “Alpha.”
“Through his service in ‘Alpha,’ Yevhen Khmara proved that he doesn’t make empty promises and knows full well that occupiers aren’t defeated with empty promises,” the president noted.
He expects that the Ministry of Defense, together with Ukrainian arms manufacturers, will be able to expand the capabilities for long-range strikes and strengthen the defense of Ukrainian airspace.
Zelenskyy placed special emphasis on cooperation between the Ministry of Defense and the military command. According to him, coordination has already been established between Khmara and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapaty.
“Before winter, we in Ukraine must be confident—and we will be confident—in our defense and in our positions to the greatest extent possible,” the president concluded.