Zelenskyy orders new security chief to accelerate Istanbul talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed newly appointed National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) Secretary Rustem Umerov to intensify negotiations with Russia as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts in Istanbul.

The directive comes amid a broad reshuffle of Ukraine’s executive leadership aimed at accelerating defence and security reforms.

Zelenskyy outlined Umerov’s key responsibilities in a statement published on his official Telegram channel, following their meeting on July 18, per Caliber.Az.

“Today, I discussed with Rustem Umerov the work of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, as well as personal tasks in both the defence and negotiation spheres,” Zelenskyy wrote.

He highlighted three main priorities:

First, to continue engaging with international partners on arms supply agreements. “We must fully implement each agreement with our partners regarding the provision of weapons,” Zelenskyy emphasised, “and also execute new special arrangements for joint production and the construction of weapons manufacturing facilities in partner countries.”

Second, to assess the status of existing decisions by the NSDC and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. Zelenskyy urged immediate implementation of delayed actions and called for “significantly strengthening the technological format of the Staff,” adding that “clear coordination and full execution of decisions in Ukraine’s defence and security sector are needed.”

Third, to energise the diplomatic track. “The implementation of the agreements from the second meeting in Istanbul is currently underway,” he noted. “We need more momentum in this process.”

Rustem Umerov was officially appointed Secretary of the NSDC on July 18, replacing Oleksandr Litvinenko. Umerov had served as Ukraine’s Minister of Defence until this week.

His appointment follows a sweeping government overhaul initiated by Zelenskyy. On July 16, the Verkhovna Rada—the Ukrainian parliament—voted to dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his entire Cabinet, following the president’s call for a complete renewal of the executive branch. Zelenskyy nominated Yulia Svyrydenko, previously First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy since 2021, to assume the role of prime minister.

The Rada confirmed Svyrydenko’s appointment on July 17 and approved a new Cabinet. Under the restructured government, Denys Shmyhal has taken over the Ministry of Defence, while Andriy Sybiha has been reappointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

By Tamilla Hasanova