Ukrainian President Zelensky said in a video address on the evening of the 2nd that he has decided to adjust the working model of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, and First Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov will succeed Shmyhal as Defense Minister.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Zelensky said that Fedorov has been deeply involved in Ukraine's drone production and has efficiently promoted the digital transformation of Ukraine's public service institutions. He emphasized that the Ukrainian government needs to work together with all military personnel, the military command, national weapons manufacturers, and Ukraine's partners to advance “beneficial” reforms in the field of national defense.
Zelensky stated that Shmyhal will remain in the government team and take on leadership duties in “other areas”. He added that he would soon announce more personnel appointment and dismissal decisions.
According to several presidential decrees published on the Ukrainian President’s website that evening, Budanov has been relieved from his post as Director of the Defense Intelligence Directorate and appointed as Chief of the Presidential Office, while Ivashchenko has been dismissed as Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service and appointed as Director of the Defense Intelligence Directorate.