Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Ukraine Parliament Approves Yevhenii Khmara After Controversial Defence Reshuffle
Ukraine’s parliament chose Yevhenii Khmara to be the country’s new defence minister.
He replaces Mykhailo Fedorov, who left the job after six months.
Fedorov was removed after a video in which he allegedly supported holding an election that had been postponed because of the war.
His removal caused a public argument between the army and the defence ministry.
Khmara is a major general and previously worked in Ukraine’s Security Service.
He has been involved in fighting Russian forces since 2014, according to his biography.
Khmara promised to help defend Ukraine and reduce Russia’s ability to continue the war.
President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the parliament’s decision.
Ukraine’s parliament approved Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister with 321 votes.
Khmara succeeds Mykhailo Fedorov, who was removed after six months in office.
Fedorov’s removal followed a video in which he allegedly called for delayed elections to be held.
The reshuffle triggered a public dispute between Ukraine’s army and defence ministry.
Khmara, a major general and former senior Security Service of Ukraine officer, vowed to weaken Russia’s war potential and pursue a just peace.
- Who
- Ukraine’s parliament appointed Yevhenii Khmara, replacing Mykhailo Fedorov; President Volodymyr Zelensky supported the move.
- What
- The Verkhovna Rada approved Khmara’s appointment as defence minister with 321 votes.
- When
- The vote took place on Wednesday, Aug. 19; the article also says Khmara served as acting defence minister from July 2026, creating a date inconsistency.
- Where
- Ukraine.
- Why
- Khmara was appointed after Fedorov was removed from office following controversy over a video about elections postponed because of Russia’s invasion.
- New defence minister
- Yevhenii Khmara, also spelled Yevgeniy Khmara
- Parliamentary vote
- 321 votes in favour
- Predecessor
- Mykhailo Fedorov
- Military rank
- Major general
- Previous role
- Former senior officer and acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine
- Stated priority
- Defend Ukraine, reduce Russia’s war potential and force the enemy toward a just peace
- Background
- Khmara’s biography says he has fought Russian forces since 2014