An important event is brewing in the Ukrainian parliament that could radically affect the country's military management structure. The Verkhovna Rada is preparing to vote on the candidacy of Yevhen Khmara for the position of Minister of Defense. According to high-ranking officials, the chances of confirming the general are extremely high, and the process could accelerate within the coming weeks.
Optimism from the First Deputy Head of Parliament
Alexander Korniyenko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, expressed confidence during a TV marathon that support for Khmara's candidacy would be secured. According to him, legislators have enough time to evaluate the general's work, but the political will for confirmation has already been formed.
"I think that support is much more likely in mid-August, when the Verkhovna Rada will next convene according to the schedule, and possibly even sooner," noted Korniyenko.
The parliamentarian emphasized that the Rada is ready to work in a single plenary session mode if required for the operational confirmation of key personnel decisions.
Merits and Experience: Why Khmara?
The key argument in favor of appointing Yevhen Khmara is his impeccable reputation and experience working in law enforcement agencies. Korniyenko specifically highlighted the general's contribution to the work of the Center for Special Operations of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
"I think that General Khmara has definitely earned many positive assessments for his work at the Center for Special Operations of the SBU within the SBU itself recently," the deputy stated.
It is important to note that on July 17, the Cabinet of Ministers already appointed Khmara as Acting Minister of Defense in coordination with the President. Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced that the main priority of the new head of the defense department would be controlling long-range operations of the Security Forces.
The Fate of Ihor Klymenko
During his speech, Alexander Korniyenko also touched upon the topic of Ihor Klymenko's appointment. Previously, the former head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was considered as a candidate for the post of Minister of Defense, however, this candidacy was not submitted. Instead, the President offered Klymenko the position of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).
Korniyenko considers this decision logical and justified. In his opinion, Klymenko's experience in the field of security and defense makes him an ideal candidate to strengthen the work of the NSDC.
"Klymenko has significant experience working in the security and defense sector, and the President's decision to offer him the position of NSDC Secretary is a recognition of his merits," summarized the First Deputy Chairman of the Rada.
Thus, a large-scale personnel reshuffle in the law enforcement block is emerging in Ukrainian politics, where Yevhen Khmara takes responsibility for defense, while Ihor Klymenko could head the coordination of national security.
