Zelensky announced the appointment of Shmyhal as Minister of Defense: new priorities for the department

Changes in the leadership of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

According to hvylya.net: President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Denys Shmyhal has become the new Minister of Defense. Previously, he led the government, but his resignation opened the way for a renewal of the government composition. Separately, Herman Smetanin has been appointed head of Ukroboronprom to strengthen cooperation in defense production.

'We plan to achieve 50% of Ukrainian weapons within the first six months of the new government's work, expanding domestic production,' Zelensky stated.

At the moment, domestic weapons at the front account for about 40%, which is a record figure for the period of independence. Furthermore, there is a provision for the transfer of strategic industries under the Ministry of Defense to enhance control over arms production.

Internationally, Rustam Umerov will lead agreements with partners and oversee investments in Ukrainian arms production. Meanwhile, rescue operations continue in the city of Dobropillia following an airstrike that left 11 injured and two dead. Zelensky also announced readiness for new sanctions against Russia.

As a result of the updates in the government composition and the leadership of the defense sector, an enhancement of the domestic defense potential, increased control over arms production, and the development of cooperation with international partners is expected.