Zelenskyy may appoint new defence minister amid government reshuffle, Ukrainska Pravda reports

What happened

Ukrainska Pravda reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not renominate current Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during an upcoming government reshuffle, according to sources within the Servant of the People faction. The information emerged at a faction meeting focused on government issues.

The news follows earlier Ukrainka Pravda reporting that Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Fedorov from the defence minister post. Sources indicate the role could be offered to Ihor Klymenko, who currently serves as Interior Minister.

This potential Cabinet reshuffle comes shortly after Zelenskyy announced the resignation of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on 12 July and said the government needs rearranging. Such moves point to possible broader changes in Kyiv’s political and defence leadership amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Known from the source

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reportedly will not renominate Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister.
• The information comes from sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda within the Servant of the People faction.
• Ihor Klymenko, the current Interior Minister, is suggested as a possible successor.
• Zelenskyy announced resignation of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on 12 July and indicated a government reshuffle.
• These reports have not been officially confirmed by the Ukrainian government.

What remains unclear

The reported planned change in the defence ministry remains unconfirmed by official government statements. Given the sensitivity of defence leadership appointments in wartime, the implications for military strategy and command cohesion will be closely watched once confirmed.

What remains unclear: Official confirmation from Ukrainian government on defence minister appointment or dismissal. Verification that Ihor Klymenko is formally considered or offered the defence minister post. Check for any updates or contradictory reports ahead of publication. Ensure accurate attribution to Ukrainska Pravda and sources within the Servant of the People faction.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.