Ukraine's parliament has formally confirmed Yevheniy Chmara as defence minister and Andriy Sybiha as foreign minister, approving the nominations with strong majorities after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put forward the candidates earlier this week. Chmara secured 312 votes while Sybiha received 266 in the Verkhovna Rada.
Chmara told lawmakers his priorities would include rapidly equipping the army, strengthening the front line, striking Russian military targets, and expanding domestic weapons production, alongside fairer military service rules. Sybiha's foreign ministry stated its focus would be bolstering international support, deepening EU and NATO integration, air defence, and energy security. Sybiha had already been leading the ministry in an acting capacity before the formal nomination.
Zelenskyy wrote on X that both ministers' tasks were "absolutely clear" and that Ukraine would gain greater strength. The appointments follow a broader government reshuffle launched in July, which saw then-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov dismissed — a move that sparked street protests in Kyiv and other cities — and Serhiy Koretsky appointed prime minister.