Direct access to Zelenskyy and global network drive Umerov's Foreign Intel post
Rustem Umerov, newly appointed head of Foreign Intelligence Service (Photo: Zelenskiy / Official)
Direct access to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expectations to boost institutional efficiency were primary factors behind the appointment of Rustem Umerov as head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS), RBC-Ukraine wrote on Aug. 17.
According to the publication sources, reports claiming Umerov was considered for the post of Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States were inaccurate. An ambassadorial posting would have forced Umerov to focus exclusively on bilateral relations with Washington, requiring him to relinquish other key international portfolios, including diplomacy with the Middle East, the E3 powers (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany), the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), and direct communications through national security advisors (NSAs).
Another associate of the new intelligence chief expressed confidence in his suitability for the role:
"The Service certainly needs revitalization to deliver greater results. Umerov has a major advantage — direct access to the president whenever matters require swift resolution," the source stated.
Sources noted that he will continue maintaining diplomatic travels and communications with international partners in his new position. He conducts regular communications with Washington officials, including U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, discussing various peace initiatives and potential paths toward ending the war.
Associates also noted that Umerov actively sources weapons for Ukraine, including through discreet and non-public procurement mechanisms when formal government-to-government transfers are unfeasible.
However, sources suggested Umerov may not remain in the role over a prolonged tenure, expressing hope that "he will succeed in revitalizing FIS before handing over leadership to a successor."
Umerov served as Ukraine's Minister of Defense from 2023 to 2025 before being appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially appointed Rustem Umerov as Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service on Aug. 3.
At the annual ambassadors' conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy explained that the position will enable Umerov to continue coordinating partner engagement alongside diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
Prior reports citing sources in the President's Office had suggested Umerov was a leading contender to replace Olha Stefanishyna as Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States.
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