Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Rustem Umerov as the new Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, succeeding Alexander Litvinenko.

The presidential decree was signed on July 18. During a meeting with Umerov today, the president discussed critical issues regarding the NSDC's operations and strategic defense missions.

President Zelensky emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation with international partners for military support: "We must fully implement all agreements concerning arms supplies and develop new collaborative production initiatives."

Additionally, Umerov has been tasked with analyzing the execution of previous NSDC decisions to ensure their implementation, highlighting the need for clear coordination in the defense sector.

"It is also essential to activate the negotiation track, especially regarding the agreements reached in recent meetings," the president added.

As a reminder, preparations for the third round of negotiations with Russia are underway and will take place following the exchange of prisoners.

Umerov served as defense minister since September 2023, while Litvinenko has led the NSDC since March 2024. Some reports had linked Umerov to the position of ambassador to the USA, which has since been offered to another candidate.