New Appointment in Ukraine's Defense Sector
President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially appointed Rustem Umerov as the new Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
This decree was signed on Friday, July 18. Alexander Litvinenko was dismissed from this position by another presidential decree. Today, Zelensky held a meeting with Umerov to discuss the NSDC's operations and the strategies of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, as well as to outline key tasks in the defense and negotiation sectors.
«We must continue working with our international partners to fulfill agreements on arms supplies. It is crucial to complete all existing agreements and establish new special agreements for joint production and building factories in partner countries,» the President emphasized.
Additionally, Umerov has been tasked with analyzing the implementation status of the NSDC decisions and strategies, ensuring that previously delayed actions are carried out. According to Zelensky, clear coordination and full execution of decisions in Ukraine's defense and security sectors are necessary.
«Another important task is to accelerate the negotiation process. Currently, we are working on agreements reached during the second meeting in Istanbul. We need to increase the dynamics of this process,» the President stated.
It is worth noting that the third round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will take place after the exchange of prisoners and bodies is completed.
Umerov has served as the Minister of Defense since September 6, 2023, while Litvinenko was the NSDC Secretary since March 26, 2024. There were rumors about Umerov being appointed as Ukraine's ambassador to the USA, but this position has been offered to Olha Stefanishyna.
