"We have just discussed with Yevhen Khmara the implementation of our long-range operations against russia and providing Ukraine's security units and Defense Forces with the necessary resources. It is important that there is a strategic vision for how Ukraine should continue to act proactively to defend our independence and compel russia to engage in diplomacy. Yevhen Khmara has gained extensive, in many ways unprecedented, experience in carrying out technological strike operations. This is exactly what our defense should focus on in this war. ... I have instructed Yevhen Khmara to serve as acting minister, continue reforming the defense sector, and deliver all the results for Ukraine that we discussed", - President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram on July 16.
According to Zelensky, the government will continue implementing all active programs aimed at developing and strengthening the Defense Forces—from direct funding for combat brigades and the fair distribution of personnel among brigades to providing unmanned robotic systems with every type of drone and promptly implementing agreements reached with partners.
"I believe that under the current circumstances, real effectiveness in long-range operations, truly strong work in ensuring security that guarantees control over the internal situation within Defense Forces units, as well as practical experience in managing personnel at the Alpha Special Operations Center of the Security Service of Ukraine, should become advantages in the position of Ukraine's defense minister as well. ... Once the necessary legal procedures have been completed, I will ask parliament to support Yevhen Khmara's candidacy for the position of Ukraine's defense minister", - Zelensky wrote.