Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has accepted Defense Minister Valery Heletei's resignation.

"The president has accepted the defense minister's letter of resignation and will on Monday present a defense minister nominee for approval by parliament," the presidential press service announced on Sunday evening.

"It's time to replace the Defense Ministry's chief," Poroshenko was quoted as saying.

Poroshenko said he hopes his nominee will be supported by the Verkhovna Rada on October 14. "I am sure the vote will not be overly delayed. I hope it will happen on Tuesday," Poroshenko said.

The president is convinced, the press service said, that the decision to replace the defense minister, and other personnel reshuffles, including the dismissal of the State Border Service's heads and the formation of an intelligence committee, chaired by Ihor Smeshko, will significantly strengthen Ukraine's law enforcement agencies and enhance the country's defense capability.