Major personnel changes are brewing within the Ukrainian political elite. According to sources, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Igor Klimenko, may change his sphere of responsibility and head the Ministry of Defense in the new government led by Serhiy Koretskyi. Klimenko's candidacy was announced during a closed meeting of the 'Servant of the People' faction attended by the country's president.

From psychology to general rank

Igor Klimenko's career is a unique intersection of military service and academic science. In 1994, he graduated from the Kharkiv Military University, after which he served for three years in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, his professional path was not limited to active service: Klimenko earned a Doctor of Psychological Sciences degree.

His transition to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) structure was marked by work as a psychologist in the personnel management department in the Kharkiv region. It was this experience that allowed him to later occupy key posts responsible for personnel and psychological support within the security structures.

Pacekeeping and operational work

In the early 2000s, Klimenko reached the international level. He served in the Special Peacekeeping Center under the MIA and fulfilled the duties of a patrol operational platoon in Kosovo. This experience became an important milestone in his biography, confirming his ability to work in complex conditions outside Ukraine.

The path to the top of power

After returning from international missions, Klimenko spent many years dealing with personnel policy and psychological support for ministry employees. His professional growth was rapid:

  • In September 2019, he headed the National Police of Ukraine, receiving the rank of General of Police of the First Rank.
  • Since February 7, 2023, following the tragic death of the previous ministry leadership in an aviation disaster, Klimenko assumed the office of Minister of Internal Affairs.

Today, his name is linked to a possible appointment as head of the defense department, which would be a logical continuation of his long-term work in the country's security bloc.