Rustem Umerov has been appointed head of Ukraine's foreign intelligence service and will continue to lead negotiations with Russia, most recently under U.S. mediation. He will also coordinate the export and integration of Ukrainian drones into partner defence systems, with contracts already signed with nine countries. The appointment is part of a wider government reshuffle that named Ihor Klymenko as NSC secretary and has sparked weeks of protests. Zelensky plans to nominate Yevchen Khmara as defence minister, pending parliamentary approval.
Zelensky Names Rustem Umerov Head of Foreign Intelligence — To Lead Russia Talks and Coordinate Drone Exports
FILE PHOTO - Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov makes a closing statement at the fifth meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at the US base in Ramstein. (is associated with: «Umerov appointed head of Ukraine's foreign intelligence service») Boris Roessler/dpa
President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Rustem Umerov as head of Ukraine's foreign intelligence service. Umerov — a former defence minister and most recently secretary of the National Security Council (NSC) — will continue to lead negotiations with Russia, which have most recently been mediated by the United States.
New Role and Responsibilities
In his new post, Umerov will retain responsibility for the peace and security negotiations with Russia and will also coordinate the export of Ukrainian drones and their integration into partner countries' defence systems. Zelensky told visiting diplomats that contracts are already in place with nine countries, with additional agreements expected.
Context and Government Changes
The head of foreign intelligence had been serving in an acting capacity for several months. As part of a broader government reshuffle, Zelensky named former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as secretary of the National Security Council. The reshuffle has prompted weeks of protests across Ukraine over several controversial staffing moves.
The reshuffle also followed the high-profile dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, the popular Digital Transformation Minister, a move that contributed to public unrest in Kyiv. Zelensky has indicated he intends to nominate Yevchen Khmara, the current acting head of the SBU security service, as defence minister; that nomination must be submitted to parliament and confirmed by lawmakers to take effect.
Officials say Umerov's combined diplomatic and security remit reflects Kyiv's priority to pair frontline negotiations with the rapid international adoption of Ukrainian defence technologies.
Details about the drone-export contracts and the timeline for parliamentary confirmation of the defence minister nominee have not been released. Observers say the appointments and continuing protests will be closely watched by Kyiv's partners and domestic audiences alike.
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