President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unexpectedly offered Ihor Klymenko, the outgoing Interior Minister, the position of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). This move comes after widespread anticipation and reports that Klymenko would be appointed as the new Defense Minister. The decision appears to be a response to ongoing mass protests across Ukraine, seemingly triggered by the potential defense minister appointment. Details surrounding the protests and public reaction to Klymenko’s previous role are currently limited. This shift in roles bypasses a direct appointment to the Defence Ministry, potentially aiming to quell public discontent. Klymenko’s acceptance of the NSDC role remains unconfirmed, however, this development signifies a significant change in the expected trajectory of Ukraine’s leadership restructuring. The rationale behind avoiding the Defence Minister appointment is currently unclear.