On August 4, President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff and held meetings with the military command and government officials to address the current needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
According to Ukrinform, President Zelensky shared details of the meetings in a Facebook post.
Zelensky said he started the day today by addressing the issues we discussed yesterday with the brigades in the Kharkiv region.
“I’ve already held separate meetings with the military command, government officials, and also convened a meeting of the Staff. All of this was focused on what the battalion and brigade commanders raised the day before,” the President said.
He noted that preparation at military training centers has indeed become more effective. However, there are still things that need to be implemented. This applies to combat training, as well as psychological and motivational training. The training of Ukrainian warriors must incorporate more real combat experience from this war.
The President gave instructions to significantly increase direct funding for brigades to purchase drones, stressing that the funds are available.
Zelensky also said that they discussed the possibility of purchasing pickup trucks, which is something that most brigades are talking about.
“This means simplifying procedures and providing direct funding to units, just as with drone procurement. Our warriors must have a real ability to purchase the specific vehicles they need, in the fastest way possible,” he said.
The head of state stressed that the “18–24” program must be expanded.
“We discussed several options today, including increasing the age and broadening the circumstances under which this type of contract can be signed. The Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the Office team must present the details to the public,” he said.
In addition, Zelensky said, the sensitive issue of delaying the implementation of award decisions was discussed.
“Unfortunately, there are many cases where our warriors from various branches of the Defense Forces wait for months to receive their state decorations – solely due to cumbersome bureaucratic procedures. I have instructed that the paperwork, the number of various signatures, and approvals be reduced as much as possible. This area must also be digitalized,” he said.
The deadline for presenting implementation plans for these decisions made during the meetings and the Staff session is Monday, Zelensky stressed.
“On Monday, I expect reports from the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, the Ministry of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief, the General Staff, and the Office team on the progress of implementation,” he said.
As earlier reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region on August 4. He announced that the following day, August 5, he would convene a meeting of the Staff to discuss, among other issues, the development of military contracts—particularly those based on the experience of 18- to 24-month service terms.
Photo credit: President’s Office
Source: Defense Forces’ needs: Zelensky holds meetings with military command and government officials
