Full Breakdown
Zelensky Appoints Rustem Umerov as Head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service
8/3/2026, 8:46:12 PM
Appointment Details
On August 3, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a decree naming Rustem Umerov, former secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, as chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service. The same decree installed former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as secretary of the council. Umerov will retain coordination of the “Drone Deal” initiative with foreign partners and will continue leading Ukraine’s delegation in the stalled trilateral peace talks with Russia and the United States.
Background to the July-August Shake-up
The appointments are the latest moves in a wartime reshuffle launched in July after Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and later Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service had operated without a permanent chief since winter, with Major General Oleh Luhovskyi serving in an acting capacity until his removal on August 3. Umerov previously served as defence minister from September 2023 to July 2025 and has been a central figure in the administration’s diplomatic and defence efforts.
Official Statements
He emphasized that the move is intended to better prepare Ukraine for the approaching winter and to maintain momentum in the peace-negotiation track.
Public Reaction
The reshuffle has intensified street protests. Protesters have continued to call for Fedorov’s return, arguing that his dismissal undermines defence reforms.
Verbatim Quote
“He has greater capacity to deal with these issues simultaneously — diplomacy, defence, and the negotiations process with the US and some other partners,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy
