Overview
- Zelensky said the Cabinet of Ministers will meet on Jan. 5 as leadership changes continue, including an overhaul of the State Border Guard Service.
- He announced meetings in Europe next week intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and accelerate efforts to end the war.
- Ukraine is preparing for either continued diplomacy or further active defense if partner pressure on Russia proves insufficient, the president said.
- Recent personnel moves include Kyrylo Budanov to lead the Presidential Office, Oleh Ivashchenko to head Defence Intelligence, and Valerii Vavryniuk as acting chief of the Border Guard, with Mykhailo Fedorov proposed as defense minister.
- The diplomatic push follows U.S.-brokered talks, including Zelensky’s recent meeting with President Donald Trump on security guarantees and a 20-point plan, with reports that partners aim to finalize a security text during European consultations.