Rustem Umerov named Ukraine’s new security chief in major government shake-up

Rustem Umerov has been appointed as the new Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council (NSDC), replacing Oleksandr Litvinenko. Umerov previously served as Ukraine’s Minister of Defence.

The appointment was confirmed in a decree signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Umerov’s predecessor, Oleksandr Litvinenko, had held the position of NSDC Secretary since March 26, 2024, following his earlier role as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service from July 23, 2021. Prior to that, he served as deputy secretary of the NSDC between April 4, 2014, and August 13, 2019. Litvinenko was the fourteenth person to serve in the role.

On July 18, President Zelenskyy signed a decree officially relieving Litvinenko of his duties. In a separate decree — No. 496/2025 — the president appointed Umerov to the post, stating: “Appoint Rustem Enverovich Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine.”

Umerov’s appointment follows a major government reshuffle. On July 16, Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, voted to dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his entire Cabinet. This move came shortly after President Zelenskyy called for a full renewal of the executive branch and nominated Yulia Svyrydenko to serve as prime minister. Svyrydenko has been First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy since 2021.

On July 17, the Verkhovna Rada confirmed Svyrydenko’s appointment as prime minister and approved a new Cabinet.

Under the new government structure, Denys Shmyhal has taken over the Ministry of Defence, while Andriy Sybiha has been reappointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

By Tamilla Hasanova