Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that he has submitted documents to parliament to appoint former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as the new defense minister. This move aims to bolster Ukraine's domestic weapons production, with a target of covering half of frontline needs within the next six months. Earlier, the parliament had approved Shmyhal's resignation from his position as prime minister, along with his entire government.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Zelenskyy has also put forward Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to take over as the head of the government. The strategic industries of Ukraine will now fall under the purview of the Defense Ministry, with Herman Smetanin appointed to lead Ukroboronprom, the state arms manufacturer. Currently, it is reported that approximately 40% of the weapons used in military operations are produced domestically in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stressed the importance of increasing local arms production to not only sustain the ongoing war effort but also to extend military operations into Russian territory. He believes that these actions would compel Russia to face the repercussions of President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to agree to a ceasefire. Zelenskyy expressed optimism that achieving the 50% domestic arms production target is feasible within the first six months of the new government's administration.