Zelensky appointed Umerov by the Secretary of the NSDC

Zelensky and Umerov July 12, Photo OP

President Volodymyr Zelentsky appointed his Defense Excellence by Rustem Umerov by the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

Source: Presidential Decrees No. 496/2025, № 495/2025

Literally: “To appoint Umerov Rustem Enverovich Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.”

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Another decree dismissed Alexander Litvinenko from the post of Secretary of the National Security and Defense of Ukraine, who was appointed to this position in March 2024 instead of Alexei Danilov.

Prehistory:

• On July 10, Zelensky confirmed the plans to change the ambassador of Ukraine to the United States and suggested that the Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov could become a new envoy.
• On July 12, the media reported that Zelensky was considering Umerov as the chief and so far, the only candidate for the post of Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States.
• On July 16, the UE interlocutors in the President’s team reported that the Bank of the Ambassador to the USA considers not only the candidature of the current Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, but also the current Ministry of Justice Olga Stephanyshyn.