New Delhi, July 17 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (July 16) appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), as the country's acting defence minister.

The government faced mounting criticism and public protests over the dismissal of popular defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov.

Announcing the decision on Telegram, Zelensky said he would ask parliament to approve Khmara's appointment, describing the security official's experience in coordinating long-range operations against Russia as a key qualification for the role.

"I have assigned Yevhenii Khmara to perform the duties of minister, continue reforming the defence sector, and ensure Ukraine achieves all the results we have spoken about," ...