Zelenskyy nominates former PM Shmyhal to become Ukraine's new defense minister

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday he submitted documents to parliament to appoint former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as the new defense minister, vowing to increase Ukraine’s domestic weapons output to cover half of frontline needs within six months.

Earlier in the day, the parliament approved the resignation Shmyhal from the position of prime minister along with his entire government.

Zelenskyy has proposed Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to lead the government.

He said strategic industries will now be managed through the Defense Ministry, with Herman Smetanin set to head Ukroboronprom, the state arms manufacturer.

Currently, around 40% of weapons used in military operations are said to be Ukrainian-made.

Zelenskyy emphasized that boosting local arms production is essential not only to sustain the war effort, but also to extend operations into Russian territory.

He argued that such actions would force Russia to reckon with the consequences of President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.

He expressed confidence that the 50% domestic arms target could be met within the first six months of the new government’s tenure.