Zelensky proposes Shmygal for the position of Defense Minister
In a significant shift for Ukraine's government, Denys Shmyhal, a seasoned Ukrainian politician who previously served as Prime Minister, has been nominated to become the new Minister of Defense. His appointment, announced during a cabinet reshuffle led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pending approval by parliament.
During a briefing on July 16, President Zelenskyy outlined a clear and urgent agenda for Shmyhal as the incoming Minister of Defense, focusing on boosting Ukraine's domestic weapons production. The goal is to ensure that at least 50% of the weapons used on the frontlines are Ukrainian-made within the first six months of Shmyhal's tenure as defense minister. Currently, Ukrainian-made weapons account for nearly 40% of those used in military operations—a record high since Ukraine's independence.
The Ministry of Defense will now take on direct oversight of Ukraine’s strategic industrial sectors, particularly arms and defense manufacturing. This shift is designed to streamline decision-making and accelerate production. The Defense Ministry will also conduct a thorough audit of all agreements with international partners, aiming to optimize these partnerships for maximum effectiveness in supporting Ukraine’s military needs.
Herman Smetanin has been appointed to head Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s state arms manufacturer, as part of this broader restructuring of the country’s defense-industrial complex.
The overarching impetus behind these changes is to fortify Ukraine’s self-reliance in the face of continued Russian aggression. By expanding domestic production, the government aims to reduce dependence on foreign military aid and increase Ukraine’s capacity to conduct sustained and intensified combat operations, including the ability to strike inside Russian territory as a means of deterrence and retaliation.
Zelenskyy framed this goal as both a practical necessity for the war effort and a response to Vladimir Putin’s continued refusal to agree to a ceasefire. The focus is on pushing capabilities into the war on Russian territory, making Russia feel the consequences of its actions and the cost of not achieving peace.
- The new Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, is tasked with boosting Ukraine's domestic weapons production, with a goal of ensuring at least 50% of weapons used on the frontlines are Ukrainian-made within the first six months of his tenure.
- As part of this defense sector restructuring, Herman Smetanin has been appointed to oversee Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s state arms manufacturer, with a focus on fortifying Ukraine’s self-reliance amidst continued Russian aggression.
