---
title: "Zelenskyy explains the appointment of Igor Klimenko as Secretary of the NSDC: 'Challenge No. 1 — Winter'"
description: "Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained the appointment of Igor Klimenko as Secretary of the NSDC by the need for systematic preparation for winter. The President called the winter period the main challenge for the country. Previously, Klimenko's candidacy for the post of Minister of Defense was discussed, but due to a lack of support in the Rada, the choice fell on the position in the NSDC. 🇺🇦❄️"
date: 2026-07-23T12:10:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-explains-appointment-of-klimenko-as-secretary-of-the-nsdc-challenge-no-1-winter
tags: [volodymyr-zelensky, igor-klimenko, snbo, ukraine-government, winter-preparation]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Zelenskyy explains the appointment of Igor Klimenko as Secretary of the NSDC: 'Challenge No. 1 — Winter'

![Ihor Klymenko, the new Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, discusses winter challenges](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/23/zeleny-obyasnil-naznachenie-klimenko-sekretarem-snbo-vyzov-zima/zeleny-obyasnil-naznachenie-klimenko-sekretarem-snbo-vyzov-zima-1.webp)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided detailed explanations regarding personnel changes in the highest echelons of power. During a briefing, he confirmed that the decision to appoint former Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klimenko as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) was not made by chance. The main factor determining this choice was the need for systematic preparation of the country for the winter period.

### Priority No. 1: a safe winter

Volodymyr Zelenskyy clearly outlined expectations for the new NSDC Secretary. According to the head of state, getting through the winter is challenge number one for Ukraine. The President emphasized that employees of the State Emergency Service (SES) have already demonstrated a high level of performance, assisting both the civilian population and the military after any attacks.

Klimenko, who previously oversaw the work of the SES during his leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, must now ensure a systematic approach at the NSDC level. The main task is to resolve all current issues related to safety and life support under conditions of winter threats.

### From the Ministry of Defense to the NSDC: the history of the appointment

Klimenko's appointment was the result of a major reshuffle in the Cabinet of Ministers that took place at the end of last week. Previously, Volodymyr Zelenskyy considered the candidacy of the former head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the post of Minister of Defense. The President argued that Klimenko could effectively resolve complex issues of mobilization and the work of territorial recruitment and enlistment centers (TRC).

However, this initiative found no support either in society or among the People's Deputies. Zelenskyy confirmed that documents on the appointment of Klimenko as Minister of Defense were never submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. Ultimately, after consultations, the President offered the former minister the position of Secretary of the NSDC, and the corresponding decree on the appointment is already being prepared for signature.