President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant changes in the government by appointing Rustem Umerov as the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

The decree was signed on July 18, and the president also relieved Oleksandr Lytvynenko from this position. On the same day, Zelensky held a discussion with Umerov regarding the NSDC's operations and personal tasks in the defense and negotiation sectors.

The head of state emphasized the need to continue cooperation with partners regarding arms supplies and the implementation of agreements concerning joint production.

Umerov is tasked with assessing the execution of NSDC decisions and ensuring their implementation, particularly in the security sector.

Additionally, the president highlighted the importance of intensifying the negotiation process, as the implementation of agreements reached during previous meetings is ongoing.

It is also noted that the next round of negotiations with Russia is scheduled to take place after the completion of prisoner exchanges.

Rustem Umerov served as Minister of Defense since September 2023, while Oleksandr Lytvynenko was Secretary of the NSDC since March 2024.