Zelenskyy Appoints Security Chief Hemara as Acting Defense Minister on July 16

According to President Zelenskyy's social media statement, on July 16, he appointed Yevhenii Hemara, head of Ukraine's Security Service, as acting defense minister. Zelenskyy said he will seek parliament support for Hemara's permanent appointment after completing legal procedures.

Zelenskyy and Hemara discussed conducting long-range strikes against Russia and providing equipment to Ukraine's security and defense forces. Hemara, a major general, previously headed the Security Service's Alpha special operations unit before becoming acting director of the Security Service in January 2026.