Ukraine names Yevhenii Khmara acting defence minister and vows to "force Russia to peace"

Ukraine has appointed Yevhenii Khmara as acting minister of defence and he told lawmakers that Kyiv must seize strategic initiative in the war and “force Russia to peace” by relying on military power, technology and a stronger domestic defence industry. ([ukrinform.net](https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4145075-president-appoints-yevhenii-khmara-to-serve-as-acting-minister-of-defense.html?utm_source=openai))

Addressing deputies in the Verkhovna Rada ahead of a confirmation vote, Khmara said one priority will be to continue strikes on targets deep inside Russian territory. "We can force the enemy to peace only through the strength of our army, with our technological and symmetric solutions. Above all, by constant improvement and effective use of technology," he said. ([mod.gov.ua](https://mod.gov.ua/news/ukraina-fokusuietsia-na-tekhnolohichnii-perevazi-u-viini-i-rozrakhovuie-na-pidtrymku-ssha-yevhenii-khmara?utm_source=openai))

Three main lines of work

Khmara told MPs the Ministry of Defence will concentrate on three equal priorities: reinforcing the front and strengthening the armed forces, taking care of personnel, and developing Ukraine’s defence industry. He framed those pillars as mutually reinforcing elements of a strategy to degrade Russian capabilities. ([mod.gov.ua](https://mod.gov.ua/news/ukraina-fokusuietsia-na-tekhnolohichnii-perevazi-u-viini-i-rozrakhovuie-na-pidtrymku-ssha-yevhenii-khmara?utm_source=openai))

The acting minister also stressed the role of long‑range operations. He argued Kyiv already has the capacity to strike targets far inside Russia — even citing the possibility of hitting installations in Siberia — and said such operations will remain a component of Ukraine’s campaign to impose costs on Moscow. ([pravda.com.ua](https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/07/29/8046402/?utm_source=openai))

Khmara was installed in mid‑July 2026 by a government decision and is serving in an acting capacity while the formal nomination goes to the Rada for approval. His appointment followed a period of reshuffling at senior posts and came as Kyiv emphasizes technological solutions and industry growth alongside battlefield efforts. ([mod.gov.ua](https://mod.gov.ua/pro-nas/yevgenij-hmara?utm_source=openai))

Officials close to the ministry say the new leadership plans closer coordination with partners to secure long‑range strike means and to expand home‑grown production of critical systems, including interceptors and munitions. Khmara has previously spoken about leveraging technology and international support to improve Ukraine’s asymmetrical strike economics. ([mod.gov.ua](https://mod.gov.ua/news/ukraina-fokusuietsia-na-tekhnolohichnii-perevazi-u-viini-i-rozrakhovuie-na-pidtrymku-ssha-yevhenii-khmara?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press material from the event