A significant personnel reshuffle has taken place in the Office of the President of Ukraine concerning the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an update to the body's working principles and defined new areas of responsibility for key figures. Ihor Klimenko and Rustem Umurov will receive new directions of activity, allowing for a redistribution of focus between internal security and international cooperation.

Ihor Klimenko: Focus on Internal Resilience

According to the statement by the head of state, the NSDC plans to significantly strengthen its internal vector. Responsibility for this direction is being assigned to Ihor Klimenko. The President noted that the decision is driven by the former Minister of Internal Affairs' experience in the law enforcement system.

In his new role, Klimenko will coordinate between defense and security structures to ensure the country's resilience. His tasks also include countering specific challenges, including:

  • Cyber threats from Russia;
  • The activities of criminal networks.

Presidential advisor on communications Dmytro Lytvyn confirmed to journalists that Ihor Klimenko will officially take office as the Secretary of the NSDC.

Rustem Umurov: New Tasks on the International Stage

Rustem Umurov is leaving his current direction in the NSDC to focus on fulfilling other assignments. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defined his new area of responsibility as international activities and cooperation in the security sector.

Umurov will oversee communication with partners, conduct negotiations, and promote the development of relations between the intelligence communities of Ukraine and allied countries. In particular, he will receive additional assignments to work with partners in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region.

His tasks also include the implementation of key programs, such as "Drone Deals" and the Ukrainian anti-ballistic missile program "Freya". However, Umurov's exact position within the structure of the Office of the President has not yet been announced.

Effective Dates

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the relevant decrees regarding personnel changes will be signed next week. The official procedure will take place after the completion of the President's scheduled meetings in the USA.

These personnel decisions come against the backdrop of the extension of martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine for another 90 days. Special legal regimes will remain in effect until at least October 31, 2026. The head of state emphasized that the appointment of Klimenko to the post of NSDC Secretary is dictated by the need to strengthen internal security and coordinate defense structures more closely.