New Ukrainian Defense Minister Faces String of Demands

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has laid out a clear mandate for the nation's new defense minister, prioritizing the overhaul of the defense system, production, and supply chains.

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My main task as Ukraine's defense minister is to realistically fix our defense system, the production and procurement system, and supply to the army. It must operate so that Ukraine's defense receives everything it needs to repel Russian strikes, hold positions on the front, conduct our active operations, and deliver painful retaliatory strikes for Russia's terror, this war, and the killings that Putin has effectively turned into a new Russian ideology.

"My main task as Ukraine's defense minister is to realistically fix our defense system, the production and procurement system, and supply to the army," Zelenskyy stated. He emphasized that the system must ensure Ukraine's defense forces receive everything necessary to repel Russian strikes, hold positions on the front lines, and execute offensive actions, including retaliatory strikes for Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy also called for enhanced air defense capabilities and the strengthening of long-range strike capabilities. He expressed hope that the Ministry of Defense would facilitate more opportunities for such operations, working with Ukrainian arms manufacturers and international partners. The president noted that the designated defense minister, Yevhenii Hmyra, has already demonstrated his commitment and understanding of the challenges.

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I hope that the Ministry of Defense will create more opportunities for conducting long-range strikes. Together with Ukrainian arms manufacturers, it must strengthen Ukraine's air defense, and together with partners – provide more opportunities for our defensive operations and offensive actions.

"We must strengthen our defense and our positions on the front as much as possible before winter," Zelenskyy added. The president had previously submitted proposals to appoint Andrii Sybiha as foreign minister and Hmyra as defense minister. Hmyra's prior role as deputy defense minister was also noted, with his recent dismissal from that position preceding the new appointment.

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We must strengthen our defense and our positions on the front as much as possible before winter.