Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his gratitude to Igor Klimenko for his contributions to the Ministry of Internal Affairs as he prepares to issue a decree appointing him as Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC).
Zelensky remarked, “There have been many complex challenges, and the response has always been effective. Igor Klimenko will continue to work for Ukraine in the field of state and public protection.”
The president stated that preparations for the decree regarding Klimenko’s appointment are already underway.
He also emphasized the need for enhanced coordination across all components of the security and defense sectors, along with daily oversight of decision implementation. “Every decision from the NSC and the Commander-in-Chief must be executed in full and on schedule. The Ukrainian government, our defense and security forces, and the entire system of state structures must operate exactly as necessary to achieve the defined state goals. Coordination of defense production is a particular priority,” Zelensky pointed out.
Context
- Zelensky had previously considered Klimenko for the position of Minister of Defense following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov. During a briefing on July 16, he stated that the new Minister of Defense must address mobilization and “busification” issues. However, on the same day, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak reported that Klimenko declined the role.
- In light of protests calling for Fedorov’s dismissal that began in several cities across Ukraine on the morning of July 16, Zelensky made concessions, announcing that he assigned General Yevhen Khmara, acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, to fulfill the duties of the Minister of Defense.
