Zelenskyy Appoints Chief Negotiator as Head of Foreign Intelligence
Umerov will keep leading peace talks while taking over foreign intelligence, as Zelenskyy continues a senior security shakeup after public anger over July changes.
- On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Rustem Umerov as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, where he will continue leading peace negotiations with Russia while overseeing diplomacy and defense processes.
- The appointment follows a cabinet purge that began last month, including replacing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as Zelenskyy stated the reorganization prepares Ukraine for potential Russian attacks on energy systems.
- Removing Fedorov, a 35-year-old advocate for drone warfare, sparked public criticism and street protests, while Former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko will assume leadership of the Security Council.
- Beyond intelligence duties, Umerov remains tasked with overseeing the Freya anti-ballistic programme and drone agreements that coordinate with the United States and other international partners.
- Critics accuse the president of cycling a small circle of allies through top positions, noting the shakeup has been viewed as poorly explained, following pressure that forced replacement of military commander Oleksandr Syrskiy.
69 Articles
69 Articles
Zelenskyy taps Umerov for intelligence post
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been shaking up his government and replacing key cabinet members. He said on Monday that he picked Kyiv's top peace negotiator, Rustem Umerov, to lead the Foreign Intelligence Service.
The news live from the war between Ukraine and Russia
In Ukraine, people have been taking to the streets for weeks against the controversial personnel policy of President Volodymyr Selenskyj. They call for the reinstatement of the dismissed Defense Minister Mychajlo Fedorov. Selenskyj wants to succeed the former acting head of the secret service SBU, Yevheny Chmara. The candidacy must still be submitted to the parliament and confirmed by MPs. On Monday Selenskyj also appointed chief negotiator Rust…
Who Is Rustem Umerov? Zelenskyy's Crimea-Born Negotiator With Russia Now Ukraine's Foreign Spy Chief
Rustem Umerov, the Crimea‑born negotiator who has led Ukraine's peace talks with Russia, has been appointed head of the country's Foreign Intelligence Service by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Presidential decrees published on the official website confirm that Umerov will lead the agency responsible for gathering intelligence abroad and reporting directly to the president. The appointment forms part of a wider security reshuffle in Kyiv that als…
After the severe crisis over the recent government transformation, President Selensky makes further staff changes. However, he will not appease his critics.
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