Ukrainian president nominates former PM as new defense minister

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday proposed to the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, to appoint former prime minister Denys Shmyhal as the country's new defense minister.

"Today, I have already signed documents to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding Denys Shmyhal as the new defense minister," Zelensky said in a post on Telegram.

Zelensky also announced that Herman Smetanin, minister of strategic industries, will head the country's state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom.

Shmyhal said on Tuesday he had submitted a resignation letter, as part of the country's governmental reshuffle. Earlier in the day, the parliament approved Shmyhal's resignation, which triggered the resignation of the entire government in accordance with Ukrainian law.

The outgoing cabinet will continue to exercise its duties until a new government is formed.