Ex-defense minister appointed secretary of Ukraine's Security Council

Editor's note: The story was updated to include comments made by Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Rustem Umerov as secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, according to a decree published on the presidential website on July 18.

The decision comes as part of Ukraine's first full wartime cabinet reshuffle. Umerov, who served as defense minister from September 2023, will replace current Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko, who is reportedly being considered for an ambassadorial role in Serbia.

Umerov's dismissal from the Defense Ministry was long anticipated, though earlier speculations suggested the ex-minister may be nominated as an ambassador in the U.S.

Umerov's candidacy for the diplomatic post was later dropped, as former Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna was named Ukraine's special envoy to the U.S., pending approval from Washington for a full ambassadorship.

In a post on X, Umerov confirmed his appointment and outlined his new mandate. "Today, the President of Ukraine signed a decree appointing me as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine," he wrote.

Umerov listed key priorities agreed upon with Zelensky, starting with "coordination and control of the security and defense sector." He pledged to ensure "systematic and effective synchronization of actions across all components" of Ukraine's defense system.

"I will continue to coordinate all arms deliveries, joint production efforts, and defense partnerships — including the most sensitive areas," Umerov wrote. "I remain in constant dialogue with our international partners, especially regarding discreet agreements that are critically important to our defense capabilities."

The National Security and Defense Council is a powerful coordinating body in Ukraine, responsible for shaping military, security, and foreign policy.

Umerov’s appointment as Ukraine's defense chief two years ago raised hopes for more transparent and effective leadership following major corruption scandals in the ministry.

However, his tenure eventually drew scrutiny. Ukrainian activists dubbed him "the minister of chaos," citing poor management, weak authority, and stalled reforms.

In his post as defense minister, Umerov also led Ukraine's delegation in peace talks with Russia in Istanbul in May and June.

As part of a government reshuffle, Ukraine's parliament confirmed Yuliia Svyrydenko as the new prime minister on July 17, replacing Denys Shmyhal, who became the new defense minister.