Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) head Yevhen Khmara as acting defense minister, following protests over the dismissal of his predecessor Mykhailo Fedorov. Zelensky announced the decision on his Telegram channel.

After completing legal procedures, Zelensky intends to formally submit Khmara's candidacy for approval by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament. The SBU will be temporarily led by Khmara's first deputy, Oleksandr Poklad, sources told Ukrainska Pravda.

Khmara had served as acting SBU chief since January 2026, previously heading the SBU's Alpha special operations center. Zelensky said Khmara gained "unprecedented experience in conducting high-tech strike operations," including overseeing the liberation of Snake Island in 2022.

Earlier Thursday, Zelensky said he was proposing Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko for the defense post. Newly appointed Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky supported that candidacy in parliament, but the president ultimately chose Khmara.

The dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stemmed from his conflict with Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, Zelensky told lawmakers. According to Ukrainska Pravda sources, the conflict prompted the firing. Fedorov, a co-creator of Ukraine's digitalization program "Country in a Phone" and a driver of defense reforms, was the last remaining member of Zelensky's first 2019 government.

Fedorov's dismissal sparked protests in Ukrainian cities. Lawmaker Nikita Poturaev resigned from parliament, and Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Pavlo Yelizarov (call sign "Lazar") also stepped down. At a briefing, Fedorov described his conflict with Syrsky as a "values-based confrontation."

Zelensky said Khmara's tasks include continuing defense reforms, expanding long-range strikes on Russia, and ensuring the military receives everything it needs. The president also noted Khmara would focus on "high-tech strike operations."

According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, the decision followed a political crisis: Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko declined an offer to become ambassador to the United States, revealing, the outlet said, a lack of preparation in Zelensky's personnel decision. Svyrydenko remains head of government.