Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Rustem Umerov as the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, as the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, according to a decree published on August 3. Umerov replaces Major General Oleh Luhovii, who was dismissed after serving as interim chief since February.

At the same time, former Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko was appointed Secretary of the National Security Council. Umerov will continue to coordinate the 'Drone Deal' initiative and will remain involved in peace negotiations with Russia and the USA, which have been stalled since February.

Zelensky emphasized Umerov's ability to simultaneously manage diplomacy and defense. These appointments are part of a broader government reshuffle that has generated a political and military crisis. Umerov's term has been marked by controversies and scandals related to corruption, but he has not been officially accused.