"We will do everything to protect Ukraine and force the enemy into a just peace" – newly appointed Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara
During his speech in parliament, Khmara named three main priorities for his work:
He stressed that Ukraine must prepare for Russia's further actions, including its mobilization plans and a possible escalation in autumn and winter.
The new minister explained his status separately. According to him, he is currently a civilian, since the law stipulates that only a civilian may serve as defense minister.
Khmara said he had been discharged from military service under Article 26 of the law "On Military Duty and Military Service" in connection with organizational measures concerning senior officers.
After the vote, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi thanked MPs for supporting Khmara's candidacy for defense minister and Andrii Sybiha's candidacy for foreign minister.
"I am grateful to parliamentarians for supporting Andrii Sybiha as Ukraine's foreign minister and Yevhenii Khmara as Ukraine's defense minister. The tasks for both ministers are absolutely clear: Ukraine needs more strength," the head of state wrote.
At the same time, about 50 people gathered near the Verkhovna Rada building in Kyiv to protest and call on MPs not to vote for Yevhenii Khmara's appointment as defense minister. At that moment, lawmakers were speaking with Khmara inside parliament.
People held posters and cardboard signs reading "Bring Fedorov back," "Verkhovna Rada — your turn," "Corruption kills" and others. Protesters chanted: "Do not hide behind Khmara."
Rubryka photojournalist Mykola Tymchenko attended the protest.
Photo credit: Mykola Tymchenko/Rubryka
Background
Yevhenii Khmara is an experienced special forces officer who has served in Special Operations Center A of Ukraine's Security Service since 2011. His career in Ukraine's Security Service has been marked by rapid professional growth and significant achievements in special operations.
On April 14, 2023, a decree by the president of Ukraine appointed him head of the Special Operations Center, which focuses on counterterrorism and the protection of participants in criminal proceedings and law enforcement officers.
On August 24, 2023, Khmara received the rank of brigadier general, and on June 23, 2024, he was promoted to major general.
On August 25, 2025, the president of Ukraine appointed Yevhenii Khmara head of Special Operations Center A of Ukraine's Security Service, a key unit of the agency responsible for high-profile and asymmetric operations against the enemy.
The major general has received the Order of Danylo Halytskyi, as well as the Order "For Courage," 3rd class, for personal courage and heroism shown in the fight against crime.
Among Khmara's best-known combat operations was his 2023 command of the special operation to liberate Snake Island from Russian forces, which became one of the landmark successes of Ukrainian special forces.
At the start of the full-scale war, Major General Yevhenii Khmara took part in the liberation of the Kyiv region. After the capital region was de-occupied, he fought in the Donetsk region. Yevhenii Khmara has received several departmental and state awards:
In early January 2026, he became acting head of Ukraine's Security Service after Vasyl Maliuk stepped down.
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20 of August 2026
