Ukraine’s parliament has approved President Volodymyr Zelensky’s nominee, Yevhen Khmara, as the country’s new defense minister.
Khmara received 312 votes in favor during a parliamentary vote on August 19.
Speaking in parliament, Khmara said his main task would be to force Russia to accept a just peace through the effective use of Ukraine’s military capabilities and technology. He also said Ukraine would increase the production and use of weapons, while its strikes would become increasingly precise.
Khmara had previously served as acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service. Zelensky appointed him to temporarily head the Defense Ministry on July 16.
His appointment followed the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and the subsequent resignation of the entire Cabinet.
Zelensky’s decision not to nominate Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister sparked protests in Ukraine.
On August 19, parliament also reapproved Andrii Sybiha as foreign minister. Sybiha had been serving as acting foreign minister since mid-July following the resignation of Svyrydenko and the Cabinet.
In July, parliament approved Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister, nominated by Zelensky, as well as all ministerial candidates except those for the defense and foreign affairs portfolios.
Zelensky submitted Sybiha’s and Khmara’s nominations to parliament on August 18.
