Defense Ministry personnel restructuring initiated by Umerov

In response to the challenges posed by full-scale war, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov took some strategic steps to beef up Ukraine's defense capabilities. On April 29, he made some key appointments to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness within the Ministry of Defense. These moves aimed to foster greater integration with international partners.

Let's start with Sergei Boev, the new first deputy minister of defense. He held the position of deputy minister of defense for international cooperation and partnerships before this promotion. Boev is now assigned to coordinate all work of the deputy ministers to ensure a unified course, covering everything from current frontline needs to the future architecture of the Ukrainian military.

Moving on, we have Nikolai Shevtsov, who takes over as deputy minister of defense for logistics and procurement. In this role, Shevtsov, along with the AOZ and DOT, will work on cutting down the time it takes to supply the military and simplify bureaucratic procedures. An essential task for him is to maintain continuous communication with the frontline military to facilitate timely adjustments to their needs and streamline the supply processes.

Rounding off the new arrivals is Alexander Kozhenko. Previously serving as an advisor to the minister of defense since November 2023, he was instrumental in the development of state aviation. In his new role as deputy minister of defense, Kozhenko will be responsible for developing aviation capabilities.

Regrettably, Sergei Melnik, who had been serving as deputy minister of defense, has completed his work. However, Melnik will keep working in another area where his expertise will be invaluable for further strengthening our state.

This shake-up comes following the April resignation of Lieutenant General Ivan Gavrilyuk from the post of first deputy minister of defense.

Some insights on the appointments show that:

Serhii Boev, as the first deputy defense minister, will oversee international partnerships, strategic planning, and interdepartmental coordination.
Mykola Shevtsov, the deputy defense minister for logistics and procurement, will focus on front-line supply mechanisms, procurement oversight, and dealing with corruption concerns.
Oleksandr Kozenko, the new deputy minister for aviation development, will be in charge of aircraft procurement and maintenance, as well as collaborating closely with key policymakers.

These appointments are aimed at addressing war-related challenges, enhancing institutional efficiency, and integrating more deeply with international partners.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has appointed Sergei Boev as the new first deputy minister of defense, aiming to strengthen international partnerships, strategic planning, and interdepartmental coordination.
Nikolai Shevtsov, who has been appointed as the deputy minister of defense for logistics and procurement, will focus on improving front-line supply mechanisms, overseeing procurement, and dealing with corruption concerns.
Alexander Kozhenko, previously an advisor to the minister of defense, has been appointed as the deputy minister of defense for aviation development, responsible for aircraft procurement and maintenance, and collaborating with key policymakers.
The appointments in the Ministry of Defense, including Boev, Shevtsov, and Kozhenko, are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, enhance institutional efficiency, and integrate more deeply with international partners, as addressed in the policy-and-legislation and general-news domains.