Zelenskyy outlines new defense minister's key tasks: bolster systems, counter Russia

Ukraine's new Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, faces the critical mission of bolstering the nation's defense capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined Umerov's core responsibilities, emphasizing the need to enhance the effectiveness of Ukraine's defense systems, production, and supply chains.

Zelenskyy stated that Umerov's efforts are crucial for equipping Ukraine with all necessary means to protect lives. This includes holding positions on the front lines, conducting active operations, and launching significant counterstrikes against Russia. The president framed these actions as a direct response to Russia's continued aggression, its alleged acts of terror, and the killings occurring in Ukraine.

"My main task as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine in the current conditions is to effectively strengthen our defense system, our production and procurement systems, and the system of supplying the army," Zelenskyy quoted Umerov as saying. This directive underscores the urgency and the comprehensive approach required to meet the challenges posed by the war. The minister's mandate involves not only military readiness but also the logistical and industrial backbone supporting the war effort.

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My main task as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine in the current conditions is to effectively strengthen our defense system, our production and procurement systems, and the system of supplying the army. This must be done so that Ukraine has everything necessary to protect lives, to repel Russia's attacks, to hold positions on the front line, to conduct active operations, and to deliver significant counterstrikes against Russia in response to its terror, its war, and the killings that Putin has essentially made the new ideology of Russia.