Yevhenii Khmara plans to develop asymmetric warfare methods by striking the Russian economy
Yevhenii Khmara, former head of the Centre for Special Operations and the Security Service of Ukraine, has been appointed as the new Minister of Defence of Ukraine. He intends to scale up successful asymmetric warfare methods to systematically support the ZSU and increase precision strikes against the enemy. This was reported by Armiiainform citing The National Interest, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Yevhenii Khmara’s appointment as head of the defence ministry was secured by a constitutional majority in parliament. To comply with the legal requirement for civilian leadership of the ministry, he retired from service with the rank of major general.
Analysts at The National Interest note that the new minister is implementing a doctrine known as ‘ruthless cost asymmetry.’ It involves conducting operations that cost only a fraction of the damage inflicted on the enemy, focusing on destroying key nodes of the Russian economy, such as oil refineries and logistical routes.
Experience at the SBU
During his time at the SBU, Khmara was directly involved in planning Operation ‘Cobweb.’ Under this strategy, Ukrainian units struck Russian strategic aviation at long ranges. According to defence ministry data, these measures have already deprived Russia of nearly 43% of its oil refining capacity, forcing the occupiers to restrict domestic fuel sales.
Colleagues describe Khmara as a balanced leader who avoids impulsive decisions and prefers to analyse systemic processes. He has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to coordinate complex operations where technology combined with human resources is the primary tool.
Cooperation with Command
An important component of the new management structure is the minister’s interaction with the updated leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This specifically concerns the tandem with Commander-in-Chief Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy, who was appointed during the summer personnel reshuffle.
Both officials share similar views on combat operations and reject Soviet-style centralisation methods. The minister believes that effective coordination of efforts between the defence ministry and military command directly affects the preservation of soldiers’ lives on the front line.
Priorities in Office
Although Khmara admits that working at the ministry is radically different from commanding special units, he has a clear vision for administrative activity. This covers procurement, budget formation, support for the defence industry, and resolving mobilisation issues.
The minister stresses that the state must create conditions for the rapid implementation of technological solutions, as current realities require constant updates to combat methods. He is convinced that improving service conditions is the main incentive for attracting volunteers to the army.
Photo: MOU
Read also: Mykhailo Fedorov appointed adviser to Italian Defence Minister
