Career in the SBU and participation in combat operations - what is known about Yevhen Khmara, who was tasked with leading the Ministry of Defense

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has tasked Major General Yevhen Khmara with performing the duties of Minister of Defense. Prior to this, Khmara temporarily headed the Security Service of Ukraine, and earlier led the Special Operations Center "A" of the SBU. 

UNN has compiled everything you need to know about the person who will lead the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine during the full-scale invasion of our country by russia.  

Why the President of Ukraine settled on Khmara's candidacy

According to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Khmara has experience in organizing technological and long-range operations, as well as managing one of the key combat units of the SBU. The President stated that after completing the necessary legal procedures, he plans to appeal to the Verkhovna Rada for support of Khmara's candidacy for the position of Minister of Defense.

Among the tasks set before Khmara, Zelenskyy named the continuation of reforms in the defense sector, increasing direct funding for combat brigades, providing the military with drones and ground robotic systems, as well as fulfilling agreements with international partners.

What is known about Yevhen Khmara

Yevhen Khmara has been serving in the Special Operations Center "A" of the SBU since 2011.

Before serving in the SBU, according to People's Deputy Roman Kostenko, Khmara served in the special unit "Omega" and specialized in mine and explosive ordnance disposal.

Khmara participated in combat operations during the Anti-Terrorist Operation in eastern Ukraine. After the start of russia's full-scale invasion, he carried out combat missions during the defense and liberation of the Kyiv region, and later worked in the eastern direction.

According to the SBU and Ukrainian media, Khmara also participated in organizing the operation to liberate Snake Island in 2022. He himself called the return of the island under Ukrainian control an important military, economic, and psychological victory.

Career at the SBU

In April 2023, the President appointed Khmara as head of the Center for Special Operations for Combating Terrorism, Protection of Participants in Criminal Proceedings and Law Enforcement Officers of the SBU. After reorganization, the unit was renamed the Special Operations Center "A" of the SBU.

In August 2023, Khmara was awarded the military rank of Brigadier General, and in June 2024 — Major General.

In August 2025, he headed the reorganized Special Operations Center "A" of the SBU.

On January 5, 2026, the President tasked Khmara with temporarily performing the duties of the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine. He replaced Vasyl Malyuk in this position, who continued to work within the SBU system and focused on combat and asymmetric operations.

Work of the Special Operations Center "A"

According to the SBU, under Khmara's leadership, Center "A" was among the top three most effective units of the Defense Forces in terms of the number of destroyed russian equipment and personnel using drones.

The Security Service stated that the value of russian equipment destroyed by Center fighters exceeded $5.5 billion. This amount did not include the results of Operation "Cobweb", which also involved operators of the CSO "A". It is impossible to independently verify these estimates under wartime conditions.

The unit participated in long-range strikes on russian military facilities, including airfields, ammunition depots, arsenals, oil refineries, and factories associated with the production of drones and guided aerial bombs.

Khmara publicly stated that SBU special forces were among the first in the Defense Forces to massively use FPV drones. According to him, this direction began to be developed at the Center in 2022, as drones made it possible to significantly increase the number of targets hit at tactical depth.

He also emphasized that commanders of special units should participate in combat missions together with their subordinates to understand the situation on the battlefield and maintain the trust of personnel.

Awards

According to the SBU, Yevhen Khmara is a full holder of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky. He has also been awarded the Order "For Courage" III degree and the award of the President of Ukraine "Cross of Combat Merit".

In March 2019, Khmara, who at the time held the rank of lieutenant colonel, received the medal "For Military Service to Ukraine." The award was granted to him for his contribution to strengthening national security, courage, professionalism, and exemplary performance of official duties.

Recall 

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Yevhenii Khmara to temporarily serve as Acting Minister of Defense. Khmara is to continue reforming the defense sector and ensure results.