312 votes in favor: Verkhovna Rada approves Evgeniy Khmara as Minister of Defence of Ukraine
Following a nomination by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Verkhovna Rada approved Evgeniy Khmara as Minister of Defence of Ukraine.
A total of 312 members of parliament voted in favor of his candidacy.
In his address to the Verkhovna Rada, Evgeniy Khmara thanked the President, members of parliament, and the people of Ukraine for their trust and outlined the Ministry of Defence’s priorities following his appointment.
He emphasized that Ukraine would do everything possible to defend the country, reduce russia’s capacity to wage war as much as possible, and force the enemy into a just peace.
Compelling russia to make peace
Evgeniy Khmara noted that Ukraine is confronted by a powerful enemy employing the most insidious and brutal methods of warfare. Ukraine is aware of russia’s next steps, its mobilization plans, and its strategy for the fall and winter.
This is why synergy at every level is essential—among the President, Parliament, the Government, the General Staff, the Ministry of Defence, combat units, manufacturers, and partners.
The aggressor can only be compelled to make peace through the strength of our military and technological and asymmetric solutions — above all, through the continuous advancement and effective use of technology.
According to Evgeniy Khmara, Ukraine has already erased distance as a barrier to striking targets that sustain russia’s war. The entire economic base supporting the enemy’s war is a target for Ukraine.
An advantage on the front line must be secured through commanders’ ingenuity and professionalism, the training of our warriors, innovation, and modern weapons.
Priority: The front line
Evgeniy Khmara emphasized that strengthening the military and supporting the front are among the Ministry of Defence’s priorities. This means seizing the strategic initiative across all operational domains: land, maritime, air, and the information environment.
Frontline needs must reach the Ministry quickly, and the Ministry’s decisions must reach the front just as quickly.
Evgeniy Khmara also noted that the military needs weapons — plenty of them, delivered on time, through transparent procedures and without unnecessary bureaucracy. Procurement must serve exclusively the needs of the front and Ukraine's defense, not any particular interests.
The supply system will be adapted to the pace of the war. Ukraine is also working with its allies to protect its skies from russian ballistic missiles.
Deep-strike and middle-strike operations are another key focus. The operation against Novorossiysk and a series of previous successful strikes demonstrated the effectiveness of coordination among the Defence Forces, manufacturers, and state institutions.
As Evgeniy Khmara emphasized, Ukraine will have more domestically produced weapons, and its strikes will become more precise.
Priority: Human capital
Another priority is developing the Defence Forces' human capital.
My task is to communicate directly with our defenders. From my own experience, I know that a warrior is motivated when they feel respected, receive quality training, and serve under fair rules.
The lives and health of our service members are paramount. Technology is needed to give Ukrainian defenders an advantage while minimizing the risks they face.
Priority: The defense industry
Another priority is developing Ukraine’s defense industry.
Evgeniy Khmara emphasized that Ukraine’s defense industry is the foundation of the country’s strength today and its security for years to come.
In wartime, defending the country is a key priority for the entire government system. Every state body must ask itself how it is contributing to the country’s defense. This is our shared struggle and our shared responsibility to end the war on our terms.
The Ministry of Defence’s task is to develop Ukraine’s defense industry and scale up production.