Ukraine's Minister of Defense Yevhen Khmar stated his intention to keep the ministry's current team in place, while also announcing the strengthening of certain areas. He said so during a conversation with journalists, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. According to the minister, his key priority at the start of his work in the new role is ensuring continuity and stability within the Defense Ministry, which is undergoing a personnel reshuffle following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov.
Continuity as the Foundation: What Stays in the Ministry
"The ministry retains strong specialists with the necessary expertise and a state-oriented stance. Their task is to ensure the continuity of work, carry on important projects, and strengthen the areas that require additional attention," Khmar emphasized. Thus, a mass personnel overhaul in the ministry's apparatus is not expected: the current heads of structural units keep their positions, while new appointments will be targeted and tied to specific tasks. This decision can be seen as a signal that Khmar intends to rely on a proven managerial resource rather than start reforming from scratch amid an ongoing war.
Two New Vectors: Digitalization and Cognitive Warfare
In a separate block, the minister named two areas that the Defense Ministry will deliberately strengthen. The first is digital transformation. For this post, according to RBC-Ukraine, a candidate with combat experience and experience working directly within the Defense Ministry structure is being considered. The second area is cognitive warfare. Here, according to Khmar, a candidate has already been selected, and the tasks for the new unit or position have been defined. Both vectors indicate that the ministry intends not only to maintain current defense functions but also to develop the information-cognitive and technological dimensions of national security.
The Fedorov Question: One Meeting and No Feedback
Journalists separately asked about the possible role of Mykhailo Fedorov in the new Defense Ministry lineup. Khmar confirmed that a single meeting with the former minister took place in July 2026, at which he offered to "find any model or format for continuing joint work on projects." At the same time, as the minister clarified, no specific positions or roles were offered during the conversation. As of the time the statement was published, no feedback had been received from Fedorov. Thus, formally, the question of Fedorov's return to the ministry's structure remains open, but it is not a priority in the current personnel agenda.
Context of the Appointment: From Acting to Full Leadership
Recall that Yevhen Khmar took the helm of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense on August 19, 2026, moving from the status of acting minister to full head of the ministry. He was appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov. On the same day, in the Verkhovna Rada, Khmar announced his resignation from military service, which was a necessary condition for holding a civilian position. Prior to his appointment, he had already outlined the priorities for his work in the new post, including reform of the mobilization system and cooperation with the Territorial Centers for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRS), as reported by Ukrainian media between August 18 and 30, 2026.
Contradictory Data
No significant contradictions were found in the provided sources. The only nuance: an analytical piece on pravda.com.ua dated August 18, 2026 (one day before the official appointment) discusses the question of "how Khmar can head the Defense Ministry," reflecting his acting status at that time. After August 19, this question became rhetorical — the appointment had taken place. No differences in figures, dates, or the content of statements between sources were detected.
