Cabinet Dismisses Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk: Key Details.

Ivan Havryliuk's Appointment

According to Espreso.tv: Ivan Havryliuk was appointed as Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense in October 2023 and held the position until his dismissal by the Cabinet of Ministers in May 2026. This appointment was a crucial step in strengthening the country's defense capabilities amid ongoing security challenges. For an English-speaking audience, it's worth noting that Havryliuk's career spans key roles in Ukraine's military and defense reforms during a period of heightened conflict with Russia.

Born in April 1971 in the village of Ivanopil, Zhytomyr region, Havryliuk studied at the Sumy Higher Artillery Command School and later graduated from the National Defense University of Ukraine in 2004 with a focus on operational-tactical studies. In 2018, he further completed training in operational-strategic affairs.

Career in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

From 1992 to 2014, Havryliuk served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, holding various positions. Between 2014 and 2018, he served as Deputy Head of the Organizational Planning Directorate of the Armed Forces, and from 2018 to 2020, he was the Head of the Main Logistics Directorate. In 2020, he retired from military service, but was recalled to active duty on February 24, 2022, following the full-scale invasion.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Defense, from September 2022 to October 2023, he served as Deputy Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. After his October 2023 appointment, Havryliuk played an active role in reforming and improving defense structures.

In May 2024, he was named First Deputy Minister of Defense, but was dismissed from that role on April 18, 2025. On July 25, 2025, he was reappointed as First Deputy Minister of Defense, and in February 2026, he once again became Deputy Minister of Defense. However, on May 20, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decided to dismiss Ivan Havryliuk from his post.

Havryliuk's dismissal highlights ongoing personnel shifts within Ukraine's military leadership, reflecting the need for rapid adaptation to security challenges amid the protracted war with Russia.

His tenure was marked by active involvement in reforming defense systems and logistics, critical areas for improving the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Those who succeed Havryliuk will be tasked with continuing these reforms and ensuring stability within the defense ministry.