Defense and foreign affairs picks: Zelensky files formal nominations with Ukraine's parliament

Ministerial candidates put forward

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally asked Ukraine's parliament-the Verkhovna Rada-to approve candidates for the country's top defense and diplomatic posts. Yevhenii Khmara is the nominee for defense minister, and Andrii Sybiha is the nominee for foreign minister. Lawmakers Iryna Herashchenko and Oleksii Honcharenko reported the submissions, with consideration set for August 19.

Khmara is a former senior official of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) who has been carrying out duties at the Defense Ministry over the past month. On July 17, the government, in agreement with the president, named him acting defense minister. He previously served as acting head of the SBU. Sybiha has led the Foreign Ministry since 2024.

What happens next in the Rada

Herashchenko said the candidates are expected to meet with parliamentary factions. On August 19, committee hearings and a plenary vote on the ministerial appointments are scheduled. During the latest government reshuffle, parliament failed to appoint heads of the Defense and Foreign Ministries. Zelensky did not submit nominations before lawmakers went on summer recess; until August 18, no Rada sessions were held, with only committee work continuing. The first sitting after the break was interrupted by an air raid alert.

Filling the two posts is considered critical for Ukraine's political stability and security amid mounting challenges. The choices of Khmara and Sybiha are expected to ensure continuity in both domestic and foreign policy, and could shape Ukraine's international ties. The Rada's debate will be a key indicator of the government's direction in the face of current threats.

As Ukraine navigates its political landscape, the appointments of key figures such as Yevhenii Khmara and Andrii Sybiha are crucial. In a related development, Zelensky has also nominated Zvarych and Bodnar for senior deputy roles within the Foreign Ministry, highlighting his strategy to strengthen Ukraine's diplomatic efforts. For more insights on these significant appointments, read about the new deputy positions here.