--- title: "Zelenskyy sets main task for new Defense Minister Khmara: system overhaul and preparation for winter" description: "Volodymyr Zelenskyy has tasked the new Defense Minister, Yevhen Khmara, with restructuring Ukraine's defense system and ensuring troops have everything they need for the winter. The President emphasized the importance of Khmara's experience with the \"Alpha\" unit and his interaction with the Armed Forces command." date: 2026-08-19T17:34:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-khmara-defense-minister-task-winter-2026-en tags: [ukraine-war, volodymyr-zelensky, evgeny-hmara, ukraine-defense, military-policy] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Zelenskyy sets main task for new Defense Minister Khmara: system overhaul and preparation for winter ![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his office discussing tasks with new Defense Minister Ruslan Khmara](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/19/zelenskiy-zadacha-hmary-minister-oborony-zima-2026/zelenskiy-zadacha-hmary-minister-oborony-zima-2026-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Zelenskyy tasked Khmara with restructuring the weapon production and procurement system. - The main goal is maximum preparation of the defense for the winter period of 2026. - Khmara officially resigned from military service to assume the post of minister. - Emphasis is placed on interaction with the Armed Forces command and strengthening air defense. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his video address, clearly outlined the priority areas for the new leadership of the Ministry of Defense. The main goal set for Minister Yevhen Khmara is the radical restructuring of the entire national defense system. Amidst the ongoing conflict and the approaching winter season, the head of state demands maximum efficiency from the ministry regarding the production, procurement, and logistics of weaponry. ### Realignment of the defense system Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the new minister is required to do more than just administrative management; he must ensure the real alignment of working mechanisms. The focus is on creating a seamless system covering the entire cycle: from the production and procurement of weapons to their operational delivery to the troops. The President stated that Ukrainian military personnel must be guaranteed to receive everything necessary to fulfill combat tasks: repelling enemy attacks, holding positions, and conducting active offensive operations. ### Special forces experience and civilian status When selecting the candidate, Zelenskyy specifically noted Yevhen Khmara's experience, having previously served in the legendary Alpha special forces. The head of state expressed confidence that Khmara does not make empty promises and understands that the enemy will not be stopped by words alone. During the session in the Verkhovna Rada, Khmara himself confirmed his status, stating that he has officially resigned from military service. He now appears before parliament as a civilian, which is a mandatory condition for appointment as Minister of Defense. ### Synchronization with command and winter plans A key aspect of the new strategy is the close interaction between the Ministry of Defense and the military command. Zelenskyy confirmed that contact has been established between Khmara and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapaty. Joint efforts are aimed at expanding the capabilities for long-range strikes and strengthening the air defense system. The President called for preparation for winter to ensure Ukrainian positions are maximally protected and the defense is reliable. ### Contradictory data Although the official appointment and tasks have been clearly stated, there are varying assessments of this personnel change within the expert community and among observers. On one hand, the support of the "Servant of the People" faction and the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada looks like a consolidation of efforts to solve current problems. On the other hand, a number of analysts and sources (including Russian media) discuss that changing the head of the Ministry of Defense in the midst of war may be related to the need to change the strategic vector or internal reorganization, the consequences of which are difficult to predict. Some experts point out that Khmara's specialization as a special forces officer may influence the management style, focusing on operational tasks, although the long-term effects of this strategy require time to evaluate. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [Zelenskyy named Khmara's main task as Minister of Defense](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-nazvav-golovne-zavdannya-hmari-1787160622.html) - Основной источник фактов о задачах и цитатах Зеленского. - [New Ukrainian Defense Minister is dangerous due to his specialization](https://news.rambler.ru/world/56933273-novyy-ministr-oborony-ukrainy-opasen-svoey-spetsializatsiey/) - Подтверждено по источнику news.rambler.ru - [Yevhen Khmara instead of Mykhailo Fedorov: what the change of the head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine means in the midst of war](https://pronedra.ru/evgenij-hmara-vmesto-mihaila-fedorova-chto-oznachaet-smena-glavy-minoborony-ukrainy-v-razgar-vojny-829121.html) - Подтверждено по источнику pronedra.ru - [Revealed: why the new Ukrainian Defense Minister is beneficial to Zelenskyy](https://news.rambler.ru/world/56931826-raskryto-chem-novyy-ministr-oborony-ukrainy-vygoden-zelenskomu/) - Подтверждено по источнику news.rambler.ru ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: Who became the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine? **A:** Yevhen Khmara became the new Minister of Defense, having previously served as the acting head of the department. ### Q: What is the main task set for Khmara? **A:** Restructuring the defense system, including production, procurement, and supply of troops, as well as preparation for winter. ### Q: What is Yevhen Khmara's connection to the army? **A:** Khmara has experience serving in the Alpha special forces, however, to be appointed to the post of minister, he officially resigned from military service.