"Our primary goal is victory. I will do everything possible and impossible for Ukraine's victory – when we liberate every inch of our country and every one of our people. Those who, unfortunately, are currently in captivity – we will bring them back. All of them, including children, prisoners of war, political prisoners, and civilians. We will restore a normal and dignified life to Ukrainian cities that are, unfortunately, temporarily occupied. We know that people there are waiting for us because they are our people and our territories."
Umerov emphasized that resistance by a single individual is resistance by the entire country, and behind every defender stand 42 million Ukrainians and a ministry that "will do everything to protect and provide for all [its] people." He added that Ukrainians, their lives, and their dignity are the highest value and the government’s priority.
"Ukraine today is free people in a free world defending fundamental democratic values and human rights. We are fighting for this! And our plan is victory, without any shades or debates. Glory to Ukraine!"
The Verkhovna Rada appointed Rustem Umerov as the Defense Minister on Sep. 6 after dismissing Oleksii Reznikov from this position the day before. Reznikov led the ministry since November 2021. Umerov had overseen the State Property Fund since September 2022.