On August 19, 2026, a landmark moment occurred in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, marking a new stage in the management of the country's defense. Yevhen Yermak, recently appointed as Minister of Defense, officially announced his resignation from military service. During his address to the People's Deputies, he stated that he now appears before parliament solely as a civilian, citing Article 26 of the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service." This decision marked the formal conclusion of his military career and the beginning of his work in the highest civilian position within the government system.
New doctrine: from "tit-for-tat" to asymmetric response
In his inaugural speech, Yermak outlined a radically new strategy for conducting the war, abandoning the principle of mirror retaliation. The Minister emphasized that Russia employs "deceitful and harsh methods," and victory requires asymmetric solutions. According to Yermak, the Ukrainian army has already "erased the distances" of safety for the Russian rear. He confirmed that now under attack are not only objects in border regions but also infrastructure in Siberia, including fuel terminals and logistics hubs. The goal is to maximize the reduction of the enemy's military potential and force them into a just peace through the systematic destruction of the economic base of the war.
Three pillars of the new strategy: initiative, logistics, and Deep Strike
Yermak identified three equal priorities that will form the foundation of the Ministry of Defense's work. The first is seizing the strategic initiative in all domains: on land, in the air, at sea, and in the information space. The second is the reform of the support system. The Minister promised that the needs of the front would reach the Cabinet of Ministers without bureaucracy, and procurement would be conducted transparently and exclusively for the needs of the front. The third priority is the development of strike capabilities (Deep Strike and Middle Strike). Citing successful operations, such as the strike on Novorossiysk, Yermak stated that Ukrainian weaponry will become more precise, and its quantity will be significantly greater.
Human capital and defense industry
The new head of the Ministry of Defense paid special attention to the factor of "human capital." He stated that the life and health of soldiers are an unconditional value, and technology must serve to minimize the risk to human life. Yermak promised to communicate personally with commanders and the wounded to adapt service rules and training to real needs. Furthermore, he identified the development of the defense industry as a key vector aimed at equipping the army with necessary weaponry and reducing dependence on external supplies.
Political context and synergy of power
Yermak's appointment was supported by the "Servant of the People" faction and the relevant committee of the Rada, made possible after the presentation by President Zelenskyy. In his speech, the Minister called for synergy at all levels of power: from the President and Parliament to the General Staff and manufacturers. Yermak emphasized that protecting the state is a priority for the entire system, and every body must ask itself what it is doing for victory. His confirmation in office marks a transition to strict coordination of efforts to end the war.
