This is reported by Kyiv24
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, held a meeting on defense issues on July 16, attended by the current Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin. During the discussion, new approaches to managing the defense sector and strengthening the role of the Ministry of Defense in weapon production were outlined.
Strengthening the Ministry of Defense’s Control Over the Defense Industry
According to the president, the Ministry of Defense will gain more influence over production processes and audits of agreements with partners. This concerns not only the supply of weapons within the framework of international assistance but also investments in domestic production and joint projects. According to the plan, Herman Smetanin will head “Ukroboronprom,” and the strategic industries will be subordinated to the Ministry of Defense to enhance the sector’s efficiency.
“We have agreed on new approaches to managing the defense sector. The Ministry of Defense will have greater influence over the production of weapons, and there should be more Ukrainian weapons – more for our soldiers on the front. In addition, the Ministry of Defense will conduct an audit of all agreements with our partners. This includes supplies under assistance programs, as well as investments in our Ukrainian weapon production, all our joint projects,” said Zelensky.
Tasks for the New Government and Personnel Changes
Zelensky announced that he has signed documents appointing Shmyhal as the Minister of Defense, and the Verkhovna Rada has already dismissed the current government. All ministers are currently performing their duties until the formation of a new Cabinet of Ministers, which is expected on July 17.
According to the president, currently, Ukrainian weapons on the front account for about 40% of all samples used in combat operations. However, an ambitious goal is set – to increase this figure to 50% within the first six months of the new government’s work. Increasing the share of domestic weapons will allow Ukraine to expand its capabilities and strengthen its defense capacity.
The president also thanked Denys Shmyhal and the entire government for their work, mentioning the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale war. He emphasized the need for maximum professionalism in the new government configuration, especially considering the new relations with the USA and other partners. Rustem Umerov will continue to coordinate international cooperation in the defense sector.
Additionally, Zelensky announced upcoming changes in the composition of some Ukrainian embassies, although details regarding new appointments have not yet been disclosed.
Currently, all ministers are temporarily performing their duties until the new Cabinet of Ministers is approved, which is expected very soon.