President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the main tasks of Ukraine’s new government, led by Serhii Koretskyi, would be preparing the country for the coming winter, supporting defence efforts and accelerating the implementation of agreements with international partners. Former head of the Security Service of Ukraine’s Alpha Special Operations Centre Yevhenii Khmara will serve as acting defence minister.
The president announced this in his evening address.
According to Zelenskyy, Koretskyi’s main strength is his experience working at state-owned energy companies. The president recalled that processes at Ukrnafta changed after Koretskyi joined the company and that it began operating in the interests of the state.
Zelenskyy also praised Naftogaz for its work during a difficult winter. Despite Russian strikes, Ukraine remained supplied with gas.
“It is important to fully prepare for the next winter,” Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, Ukraine will continue investing as much as possible in its long-range capabilities and so-called mid-strikes to make it more difficult for Russia to expand its offensive and prolong the war.
The president said that under any scenario, the state must be ready to protect its people and ensure that the country gets through the heating season. He described this as the new government’s main task.
Changes are also expected in cooperation with international partners. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs greater speed in implementing the agreements already reached.
Khmara to oversee long-range operations
The Ministry of Defence will continue supporting combat brigades, while Ukraine’s plan of long-range sanctions will be implemented in full.
Zelenskyy said he had discussed the issue with Unmanned Systems Forces Commander Robert Brovdi, known by the call sign Magyar. The president is due to speak with combat commanders the following day.
Yevhenii Khmara, who previously headed the Security Service of Ukraine’s Alpha Special Operations Centre, will serve as acting defence minister.
According to the president, Alpha consistently records the strongest monthly results in eliminating Russian forces on the battlefield. Khmara was also responsible for the Security Service’s long-range operations.
Zelenskyy said Khmara would oversee long-range operations conducted by all security forces, describing this as a priority.
The president added that Khmara’s security experience would allow him to monitor the internal situation within the components of the Defence Forces and prevent misconduct.
Legal procedures required to appoint acting ministers of defence and foreign affairs are currently being discussed with Koretskyi.
Zelenskyy also announced talks with Kyrylo Budanov and Ukraine’s diplomatic team on restructuring the country’s foreign missions. He said Ukrainian embassies must become more effective.
New defence package from Britain and Sweden
The president said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had visited Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked him for his leadership and continued support for the country.
Britain and Sweden announced a new €300 million defence package. The funding is intended to help bring Gripen fighter jets into operation in Ukrainian airspace more quickly.
Zelenskyy also spoke about a meeting with Turkey’s foreign minister. Ankara confirmed that it would do everything possible to facilitate a leaders-level meeting aimed at ending the war.
The president stressed that Ukraine continues its international work every day to strengthen its defence and achieve a just, dignified and guaranteed peace.
