MP Mariana Bezugla, in an interview with the RBC-Ukraine project "Don't Interrupt!" with Volodymyr Kurenny, made a forecast regarding personnel changes in the Ministry of Defense. According to her, a new head of the agency could be appointed in Ukraine by the end of 2026 or in the first half of 2027. Bezugla emphasized that the frequent rotation of defense ministers prevents the system from stabilizing, and expressed hope that the future leader will be a "systemic person" capable of working in the position for a long time.
Seven Ministers During Zelensky's Presidency
Commenting on the personnel instability, Bezugla recalled that during Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency, the Ministry of Defense has been headed by seven different ministers. According to her calculations, the position changed hands four times in just one year. "Regarding the future, I predict that we may have a new Minister of Defense again — by the end of this year or in the spring. I hope it will be a systemic person who will be able to work in the position for a long time," the MP said. In her opinion, this pace prevents the formation of a stable management team and the development of a long-term strategy.
Khmara: From Acting Head to Civilian Minister
The current head of the agency is Yevhen Khmara, who previously served as acting head of the SBU. On August 18, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a nomination for Khmara as Minister of Defense to the Verkhovna Rada, and the next day parliament supported his candidacy with 312 votes. Before his official appointment, Khmara managed the department for about a month in the status of acting head. After approval, he stated that he had resigned from military service and received civilian status, since, according to him, the Ministry of Defense should be headed by a civilian minister.
Government Reboot and Fedorov's Resignation
Khmara's appointment was preceded by a large-scale reboot of the government formed under Yulia Svyrydenko. During these personnel changes, Mykhailo Fedorov left the post of Defense Minister, and Serhii Koretsky became the new Prime Minister. Fedorov's dismissal from the Ministry of Defense triggered protest rallies in Kyiv and a number of other Ukrainian cities. Rally participants demanded his return to office and also sought the resignation of the then-Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky. Subsequently, the president appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as Commander-in-Chief.
Fedorov's Position After Resignation
After resigning as Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov was offered other government positions, but he declined them. In a video address to Ukrainians, Fedorov announced a "systemic management crisis" in state institutions, pointed out corruption problems, and called for finding ways to hold elections even under wartime conditions. These statements became part of a broader discussion about the state of governance in security structures and what personnel decisions will be made in the coming months.
