Zelensky Announced the Updated Composition of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a new decree outlining the composition of the country's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). This reshuffle aims to reinforce the strategic security and defense capabilities of the nation amid ongoing challenges. The decree, issued on July 19, explicitly states that Zelensky himself will serve as the chairman of the NSDC. Rustem Umerov, the former Minister of Defense, has been appointed Secretary, tasked with overseeing coordination and operational activities of the council. The revamped structure includes high-ranking representatives from the government, security agencies, scientific institutions, and financial sectors. Notable among them are Minister of Justice Herman Halushchenko, Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrinchuk, the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, President of the National Academy of Sciences Anatoliy Zahorodniy, Director of Foreign Intelligence Oleg Ivashchenko, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klimenko, Prosecutor General Ruslan Krawchenko, Minister of Health Viktor Lyashko, head of the Security Service Vasyl Malyuk, Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko, and others. Members also include representatives from the banking sector, financial monitoring, foreign policy structures, and military command. For example, Andriy Pysnyi, head of the National Bank, Philip Pronin, head of the State Financial Monitoring Service, Oleksandr Sirskiy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Oleksandr Sobolev, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The decree takes effect immediately upon publication and aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities through a renewed personnel lineup and new strategic priorities. This decision represents a significant step in reforming Ukraine’s national security system, ensuring that each member meets contemporary challenges and works towards maintaining stability and safety for Ukrainian citizens amid geopolitical tensions.