Umerov to Head Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service

Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, is set to become head of the country’s Foreign Intelligence Service, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday. Former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko will succeed him as security council secretary.

Zelensky is expected to appoint Umerov by presidential decree later on Monday. He said Umerov would continue coordinating the Drone Deal initiative and remain involved in negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Umerov leads the Ukrainian delegation in trilateral talks with Russia and the United States, which have been stalled since February. He is also working to secure defense agreements with partners in the Middle East.

Zelensky said the new role would allow Umerov to focus simultaneously on diplomacy, defense and negotiations with the United States and other partners.

The changes form part of a wider government reshuffle launched in July. The Foreign Intelligence Service has been without a permanent chief since January and has been led on an acting basis by Major General Oleh Luhovyi since February.

Umerov served as defense minister from September 2023 to July 2025. His tenure was marked by procurement scandals and allegations of abuse of power. He was later questioned in a major corruption investigation but has not been formally charged.

Umerov had also been considered for the post of Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, but the idea was ultimately abandoned.

(bak)