Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has voted to appoint Yevhenii Khmara as the country's new defense minister following a submission by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A total of 312 national deputies supported the appointment during the parliamentary session. David Arakhamia, head of the governing Servant of the People faction, noted that Khmara is a combat officer who has repeatedly risked his life for Ukraine.
Addressing lawmakers after his confirmation, Khmara emphasized that forcing Russia to peace can only be achieved through the strength of the Ukrainian military alongside technological and symmetrical solutions. He highlighted that Ukrainian forces are now executing long-range strikes as far as Siberia, targeting Russian military manufacturing, logistics, fuel infrastructure, and broader economic assets.
Comprehensive mobilization strategy
Outlining his priorities for military reform, Khmara told parliament that a comprehensive decision regarding mobilization is being prepared. He stated that the primary component must address conditions within the military itself, including respectful treatment of service members, proper equipment, training, weapons supplies, and rehabilitation support.
Khmara explained that the formal mobilization plan depends directly on a clear vision of the war effort. He said defense officials are currently working out details with the Commander-in-Chief and the General Staff before delivering a full report to President Zelenskyy.
The defense minister noted that protecting the life and health of soldiers remains an absolute priority, adding that advanced technology must be deployed to minimize operational risks for defenders. He said motivated soldiers require proper respect, thorough training, and fair service rules based on his own experience in the field.
Defense industry and military initiative
Khmara described Ukraine's defense industrial complex as the bedrock of current national strength and long-term security. He called for rapid expansion and acceleration of domestic military manufacturing to support frontline requirements.
To maintain battlefield momentum, Khmara stressed that Ukrainian forces must seize and hold the initiative across all operational domains, including land, sea, air, and the information space.
Combat background of Yevhenii Khmara
Khmara brings 20 years of special operations experience to the defense ministry. Following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, he participated in key operations including the liberation of the Kyiv region, combat engagements in Donbas, and the successful mission to retake Snake Island in the Black Sea.
His career in security forces began in 2006 with the Omega special forces unit. In 2011, he joined the SBU Security Service's Alpha special unit, eventually rising to command the SBU's Center for Special Operations A in 2023.
Khmara was promoted to brigadier general in August 2023 and major general in June 2024. He briefly served as acting head of the SBU in January 2026 before being named deputy defense minister and acting minister on July 20, 2026. He received higher education from Ukraine's security and defense institutions and has completed training programs abroad.
