Zelenskyy sets out expectations for new defence minister

Tetyana Oliynyk - 19 August, 20:28

Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: President’s Office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set out what he expects from Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister, but did not mention the searches carried out at the home of Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the President's Office.

Source: Zelenskyy in evening address on 19 August

Quote: "My main task for Ukraine's defence minister in these circumstances is to genuinely adjust our defence system, our production and procurement system and our system for supplying the troops."

Details: Zelenskyy added that ahead of winter, Ukraine must be confident in its defence and positions.

Quote: "Yevhenii Khmara proved through his service in Alpha [Security Service of Ukraine's Special Operations Centre] that he does not make empty promises and knows full well that occupiers are not defeated with hollow pledges.

I expect the Ministry of Defence to expand the scope of our deep strikes, to work with Ukrainian weapons manufacturers to provide more capabilities to protect Ukrainian skies and, together with our partners, to strengthen our defensive operations and offensive actions. There is already good cooperation between Khmara and Drapatyi [Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief]."

Background:

The Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) has appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the former acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as Ukraine's new defence minister.
Earlier on 19 August, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office reported that they are conducting a special operation to expose a criminal organisation which investigators say has been operating under the leadership of a current and a former MP. Senior officials from the President's Office and other individuals are also said to be involved.
Sources have told Ukrainska Pravda that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office are conducting searches as part of a special operation on the premises belonging to MP Vadym Stolar, who was elected to parliament from the now-banned Opposition Platform – For Life party, and Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the President's Office.

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