Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed at a meeting with ambassadors that he will appoint Rustem Umerov as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. Ukrainian media had earlier reported on the impending appointment.
Zelensky said Umerov will continue to coordinate a number of key areas, including cooperation with the United States and other partners, defense issues, diplomacy, the negotiation process to end the war, and drone deals. The position of intelligence chief will allow him to retain his post as head of the Ukrainian delegation at peace talks, Zerkalo Nedeli reported.
The Foreign Intelligence Service has been without a full-time chief since the start of the year. First Deputy Chairman Oleh Luhovsky has been serving as acting head of the agency.
Umerov took over as head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council in July 2025. Before that, he served as defense minister. In July, Zelensky announced his dismissal from the post of NSDC secretary; the position was offered to former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, who was then expected to lead the Defense Ministry. That appointment was abandoned, and Yevhen Khmara took over the ministry in an acting capacity.