Zelensky to appoint Umerov intelligence chief

President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a meeting with Ukrainian ambassadors on Monday that he will appoint Rustem Umerov as head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (FISU), Ukrinform reported.

Zelensky said the move is intended to give Umerov more opportunities to work on diplomacy, defense, negotiations with the United States and other designated partners, and talks on ending the war.

“To give him more opportunities to address these specific issues simultaneously—including diplomacy, defense, negotiations with the U.S. and other designated partners, as well as talks on ending the war—Umerov will be appointed head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service,” the President said.

Zelensky said Umerov will continue to coordinate the Drone Deal initiative. He appealed to countries already involved in the initiative, and those interested in joining, to support Umerov’s work in his new post.

The President said clear coordination with partner governments is needed at the embassy level so they understand Ukraine’s contribution to strengthening their defense, intelligence capabilities, border security and critical infrastructure resilience.

Ukrinform reported that Umerov currently serves as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, a post he was appointed to in July 2025. Zelensky also plans to appoint Ihor Klymenko, who previously headed the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as NSDC Secretary, according to Ukrinform.