Zelenskyy explains how NSDC's work will change With Klymenko's appointment and what Umerov will be doing

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that with the appointment of former Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, the NSDC will strengthen coordination between defense and security agencies, as well as efforts to counter cyber threats from russia and the activities of criminal networks. Zelenskyy made this announcement on his Telegram channel, according to the Ukrainian News agency.

"Given Ihor Klymenko’s experience within Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the NSDC’s work will place greater emphasis on domestic activities aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s resilience, coordination between defense and security agencies, and countering challenges such as cyber threats from Russia and the activities of criminal networks,” he said.

At the same time, Zelenskyy made it clear that the current NSDC Secretary, Rustem Umerov, will continue to serve on the NSDC.

"We have defined the parameters for the NSDC’s future work and the updating of its principles. Rustem Umerov will focus on communication with partners, negotiations, promoting security cooperation and developing relations between the intelligence communities of Ukraine and its partners, and implementing our programs such as Drone Deals and the Ukrainian anti-ballistic program ‘Freya,’" he said.

Zelenskyy added that he had instructed officials to prepare the relevant decrees on changes in the NSDC leadership for signing next week, following his scheduled meetings in the United States.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on July 17, Zelenskyy announced that he had offered the position of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Previously, lawmakers had named Klymenko as the leading candidate for the position of defense minister, but, according to them, he declined the post.

In July 2025, Zelenskyy appointed former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, replacing Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

According to media reports, Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States is scheduled for July 28; he is expected to attend the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham during the trip and to hold a separate meeting with US President Donald Trump.