Ukraine's top negotiator Umerov appointed foreign spy chief in Zelenskyy reshuffle
Photo: Rustem Umerov, the new head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Former National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Secretary Rustem Umerov has been appointed to a new position, according to a decree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In addition, the head of state dismissed Umerov from his post as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
"To dismiss Rustem Enverovych Umerov from the post of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine in accordance with his submitted resignation," the presidential decree states.
"This is a natural sphere for Umerov—constant specialized international contacts, foreign affairs, and a structure that combines military capabilities with international engagement. And there is a solid foundation there to ground all the work related to the anti-ballistic coalition, drone operations, and so on," explained a source speaking to RBC-Ukraine.
Who led Foreign Intelligence Service before Umerov
Before Umerov, Oleh Luhovskyi served as the acting head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine; he was appointed to the position by Presidential Decree No. 100/2026 dated February 4, 2026. Before that, the agency was headed by Oleh Ivashchenko (from March 2024 to January 2026).
What Foreign Intelligence Service does
The head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine leads an agency that:
- Gathers intelligence abroad on military, political, economic, and other threats to Ukraine
- Organizes foreign intelligence activities and special intelligence operations
- Reports the information gathered to the president and other state leaders
- Ensures the protection of Ukraine’s national interests abroad.
Earlier, Zelenskyy said he was still considering what position to offer to former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
According to him, Umerov will focus on international activities and security cooperation.
