Zelenskyy Names New Security Chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced Ihor Klymenko as the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, saying his experience as interior minister would strengthen coordination across the country’s security institutions.

Zelenskyy highlighted Klymenko’s management of the National Guard, National Police, State Border Guard Service, State Migration Service and State Emergency Service. He said the council would focus on preparing Ukraine for winter challenges, coordinating government agencies and supporting efforts to protect the country during the war.

The president also called for continued sanctions against Russia, closer coordination with the United States and European Union, and further defense cooperation. He said the council should work to strengthen air defenses, including anti-ballistic capabilities and the FREYJA program, while increasing efforts to counter Russian propaganda.

Klymenko thanked former council secretary Rustem Umerov and said his immediate priorities would include coordinating the security and defense forces, implementing regional resilience plans, and advancing cyber defense, cybersecurity and information security initiatives.