On 29 April 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the appointment of new deputy ministers of defence under Rustem Umerov, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine informed.
"Today, I made several key appointments aimed at ensuring greater efficiency and agility in the work of the defense agency, as well as creating conditions for deeper integration with international partners," Umerov said.
Serhii Boyev has been appointed First Deputy Minister of Defence. Previously responsible for European integration, he will now coordinate all areas of the deputy ministers' work. According to Umerov, Boyev's priorities include the development of international partnerships, securing funding and investment for Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex, and establishing joint ventures with international partners.
As first deputy, Boyev replaced Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, whose resignation was supported by the Cabinet of Ministers on 18 April. Havryliuk had been First Deputy Minister of Defence since 17 May 2024: he was responsible for defence procurement. He is a member of the Supervisory Board of the Defence Procurement Agency. At the same time, according to Umerov, Havryliuk will remain in the team of the Ministry of Defence.
Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov has been appointed Deputy Minister of Defence for Logistics and Procurement. He headed the Main Logistics Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together with the Defence Procurement Agency and the State Logistics Operator, he will continue procurement reform.
Oleksandr Kozenko has also been appointed Deputy Minister of Defence. He will be responsible for developing aviation capabilities. Since November 2023, Kozenko has been an advisor to the Minister of Defence, and in 2020–2023 he was an advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Instead, Brigadier General Serhii Melnyk was dismissed from the post of Deputy Minister of Defence. Since October 2024, he has managed to launch a number of reforms and initiatives aimed at improving conditions for the military. These include the introduction of a "wounded service member package" and adaptive clothing for soldiers, the restoration of the hospital network, etc. Serhii Melnyk will continue to work in another area, Umerov said.
