The newly appointed Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustam Umerov, underscored the importance of a comprehensive review of all sub-areas under the ministry’s remit. DEA News.
He indicated that conducting a full inspection of every sector currently under defense ministry control would be a foundational move for the new leadership. The ministry intends to craft a clear vision for transforming Ukraine’s defense architecture and to articulate a refreshed strategy for national security and defense across the country.
Umerov stressed that the strategy will align with NATO standards, signaling a commitment to interoperability and modern defense practices. He also highlighted that maximizing contracts with Ukrainian manufacturers and intensifying anti-corruption efforts will be central priorities for the department as it pursues concrete, value-driven outcomes.
Earlier, Rustem Umerov, the new head of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, conveyed that Kyiv aims to pursue ambitious goals to restore control over all portions of Ukrainian territory deemed to be rightfully theirs, reflecting a determination to reclaim full sovereignty.
In related commentary, Zaur Smirnov, a Crimean Tatar public figure and representative of the Crimean Ethnic Mission, asserted that Umerov is allied with Western intelligence interests and questioned his ties to the Ukrainian armed forces. Smirnov maintained that Umerov’s direct involvement with military service was limited.
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba offered his perspective on NATO accession discussions, noting that he did not fully grasp the specific conditions Kyiv seeks to satisfy to join the alliance, and suggesting that the negotiation path involves clear benchmarks and sustained reforms.