Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a video address, according to Ukrinform.

"My main task for Ukraine's defense minister under these circumstances is to effectively streamline our defense system, our production and procurement systems, and the system for supplying the military. This must be done so that protecting lives in Ukraine has everything necessary to repel Russian strikes, hold positions on the front line, conduct active operations and deliver significant strikes against Russia in response to its terror, this war and these killings that Putin has effectively turned into a new Russian ideology," Zelensky said.

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The president also noted that Yevhenii Khmara had demonstrated during his service in the SBU's Alpha unit that he "doesn't make empty promises and knows for sure that occupiers cannot be defeated with empty promises."

"I expect the Defense Ministry to expand the scope of our deep strikes. Together with Ukrainian weapons manufacturers, it will provide greater capabilities to defend Ukrainian airspace and, together with our partners, enhance the capabilities of our defensive and offensive operations. Khmara and Drapatyi already have good cooperation. Thank you for that. Ahead of winter, we in Ukraine must be, and will be, as confident as possible in our defense and our positions," Zelensky said.

On August 18, Zelensky submitted to the Verkhovna Rada nominations for Andrii Sybiha as foreign minister and Yevhenii Khmara as defense minister.

On August 19, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Khmara's dismissal from the position of deputy defense minister.

File photo: Office of the President of Ukraine