While introducing the new Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the main task of the Defense Ministry must be to deliver a response to Russian attacks that is proportionate to the threat.
The Head of State made this announcement in a speech published on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.
“It was a difficult night in Kyiv — another massive strike planned to overload our air defense and try to bypass the capabilities of our Armed Forces to shoot down all these Shaheds and missiles. Russian propaganda, just before the attack, even circulated a video of Shahed shell production in Russia. They are trying hard to intimidate our people, and that defines one of the key tasks for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and all institutions involved in national defense — Ukraine needs a response to the strikes that is proportionate to the threat,” Zelensky emphasized.
He noted that all available interceptor drones must be contracted this week.
“Some contracts have already been signed, and a few still need to be finalized. But all contracts must be in place this week. Among top priorities should also be training drone operators and supporting the entire infrastructure — from manufacturing to deployment of interceptors,” the President said.
Zelensky stressed that interceptors are already being used to shoot down Shaheds every night, but their effectiveness must increase dramatically.
“All needs of army aviation, Air Force units, and every division protecting lives in our cities and villages must be fully met. You must also ensure a significant increase in the frequency and range of drone strikes on Russian targets. Every site in Russia used for weapons production must be within reach of our Defense Forces,” Zelensky stated.
He also underlined that “people need to see that Ukraine has its own missiles.”
“Regarding weapons, the goal is to raise the share of domestically produced arms in our Defense Forces to 50% within the next six months through increased local production. That is absolutely realistic,” he added.
Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine already has hundreds of agreements with partners regarding arms supplies, joint production, and investment.
“We must review all of these agreements, analyze them, and ensure actual implementation. In ten days, I expect a report from the Minister of Defense and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council on the audit of all agreements and specific deadlines for delivering results. This includes the Danish model, capability coalitions, bilateral agreements, and especially deals on building weapons factories on partner territory, as well as other joint projects. We need a clear implementation timeline,” the President emphasized.
As reported by Ukrinform, on July 17, the Verkhovna Rada approved the appointment of former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as Ukraine’s Minister of Defense.
Source: Zelensky introduces Shmyhal at Defense Ministry, sets key tasks
