Overview
- The Verkhovna Rada postponed appointing new defense and energy ministers after multiple failed votes and recessed until January 14.
- Denys Shmyhal received 210 votes for energy minister, short of the 226 required, with only 153 Servant of the People deputies backing him.
- A move to change the agenda to first vote on Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister drew 206 votes, also below the threshold.
- Lawmakers had already approved dismissals of Shmyhal from defense and Fedorov from digital transformation, as well as SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk.
- Deputies plan to first consider Fedorov, then a three‑month extension of martial law and mobilization, before retaking Shmyhal’s bid, as Zelensky’s camp also readies other personnel votes.