Ukraine’s president shook up the country’s military structure on Thursday by appointing a new defense minister. CCTV’s Stephanie Freid reports from Kiev.

The sudden appointment comes as intense efforts are underway to reach a peace agreement between Eastern Ukraine opposition leaders and Kiev’s government. In a speech to parliament on Friday, Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko was angry as he denounced what he said was “the complete collapse of the government’s ability to supply the military”.

Poroshenko appoints new defense minister for Ukraine

Ukraine's president shook up the country's military structure on Thursday by appointing a new defense minister. CCTV's Stephanie Freid reports from Kiev.

He promised he would see to it that an army capable of taking care of business in the battle-stricken East, will be put into place.Backing up his strong words, Poroshenko dismissed the country’s defense minister and won approval for a new appointment, Valery Heletey, instead. He also appointed a new chief of the general staff.

The changing of the guard comes as intense efforts to reach a cease-fire between Ukraine’s military and armed militia in the East are underway. Leaders of Moscow and Ukraine agreed to hold tri-lateral talks with militia leaders by Saturday in order to reach a peace agreement between the sides.

Addressing press in Kiev Thursday, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister outlined his government’s vision. If his tone does not sound positive or hopeful, it is because he actually is not.

Fighting has been intense, hundreds have been killed and the president’s new appointments coupled with his strong words give the impression that Ukraine’s military campaign will continue.