Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Yevhen Khmara as acting defense minister.

Axar.az reports that Zelensky announced the decision in a post on his Telegram channel after meeting with Khmara to discuss Ukraine's long-range operations against Russia and strengthening the country's defense capabilities.

According to Zelensky, Khmara has gained "extensive, and in many ways unprecedented, experience" in conducting high-tech strike operations, which he said should become a key focus of Ukraine's defense strategy.

The president added that Khmara has been instructed to continue reforming the defense sector, strengthen the Armed Forces, and ensure the implementation of key defense programs, including expanding the use of drones and enhancing cooperation with international partners.

Zelensky said that, once the necessary legal procedures are completed, he will submit Khmara's candidacy to parliament for confirmation as Ukraine's defense minister.