Rustem Umerov appointed Secretary of Ukraine’s NSDC: strategy, weapons, and negotiations
On July 18, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree appointing Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine. This decision is not simply a reshuffling of officials it marks a shift in focus: from operational defense management to strategic coordination of national security, diplomacy, and technological modernization.
- On July 16, the Verkhovna Rada voted to dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal’s government, which included Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. This took place during a broader cabinet reshuffle.
- On July 18, President Zelensky issued Decree No. 432/2025, appointing Umerov as NSDC Secretary, and Decree No. 431/2025, relieving Oleksandr Lytvynenko from that position.
“To appoint Rustem Enverovych Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine,” the decree states.
Who is Rustem Umerov: his path to the NSDC
Rustem Umerov is one of Ukraine’s youngest and most well-known reformers in recent years:
- 2023-2025 Minister of Defense. During his tenure, Ukraine signed multiple bilateral security agreements with G7 countries.
- 2022-2023 Head of the State Property Fund. He led a major audit and launched transparent privatization even during wartime.
- 2019-2022 Member of Parliament from the Holos (Voice) party. Co-author of legislation on the de-occupation of Crimea.
Umerov is also an outspoken advocate for Crimean Tatar rights and enjoys solid international credibility. His appointment was publicly welcomed by ambassadors of Canada, Lithuania, Germany, and Japan.
Why the NSDC?
The move to the NSDC is not a demotion it is a shift toward strategic leadership. In his first public statement, President Zelensky emphasized that Umerov will be responsible for not only defense coordination but also diplomacy and technology:
“We must fully implement every agreement with our partners on arms supply, as well as new special arrangements for joint production and the construction of defense plants in partner countries,” Zelensky said [Telegram, July 18, 2025].
First task: audit NSDC decisions and revamp the technology track
Among Umerov’s initial assignments is to assess how NSDC and Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s decisions are being implemented and to accelerate progress where delays have occurred.
“I tasked Rustem Umerov with analyzing the status of NSDC and Stavka decisions, following up on delays, and significantly strengthening the technological track,” Zelensky noted.
Umerov confirmed:
“I will conduct an audit of decisions made by the Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. The President will receive a detailed action plan,” [official statement via Telegram].
The so-called “technology track” focused on battlefield modernization will be relaunched under Umerov’s leadership. This includes the integration of UAVs, AI systems, autonomous platforms, and counter-battery technologies.
Negotiations with Russia: Istanbul agreements and international coordination
Another complex task on Umerov’s agenda is overseeing the negotiation track with the Russian Federation.
“The implementation of outcomes from the second Istanbul meeting is ongoing. We need more momentum in this process,” President Zelensky stated [Telegram, July 18].
The Istanbul agreements refer to ongoing discussions mediated by Türkiye covering humanitarian corridors, prisoner exchanges, and Black Sea security.
“Ukraine consistently advocates for a just peace and we are working to achieve it in close coordination with our allies. Peace through strength,” Umerov stressed.
Weapons and partnerships: continuity with new scale
Umerov will retain oversight of international arms supply coordination a continuation of his work as Defense Minister. Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is now entering a phase of joint manufacturing and defense industrial partnerships.
“We must implement new arrangements for joint production and plant construction abroad,” the President said.
Umerov added:
“I remain in ongoing dialogue with our international partners particularly regarding discreet arrangements that remain critical to Ukraine’s defense capability” [Telegram].
This includes current and future joint projects with:
- Germany localized production of air defense systems;
- France artillery assembly lines in Ukraine;
- United States manufacturing of drones through public-private cooperation.
Umerov’s appointment to the NSDC is not merely about replacing a defense official. It’s about building a new strategic governance structure that can:
- track implementation of decisions,
- drive technological innovation,
- manage international security relationships,
- and reinforce negotiations through strength.
“I am honored to serve Ukraine. I thank the President for his trust,” Umerov concluded.
About the Author
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