Ukraine maps out strategy to halt Russian advance across all domains

Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Kyiv is strengthening its military capabilities alongside diplomatic efforts in order to force Russia toward peace, emphasising that ending the war remains the primary goal for Ukrainians.

In a message published on his Telegram channel, Fedorov noted that while Ukraine seeks peace “more than anyone else in the world,” Russia continues military operations, believing it can prevail through force and resources. He said the president has tasked the Defence Ministry with reinforcing national defence in parallel with negotiations.

According to Fedorov, Ukraine’s strategy is based on three core objectives.

The first is to “close the sky” by prioritising the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. Ukraine aims to detect all aerial threats in real time and intercept at least 95 per cent of missiles and drones. Work is already underway to build a multilayered short-range air defence system, expand interceptor capabilities, and introduce organisational reforms designed to counter Shahed drone attacks and ensure stable protection of cities.

The second objective is to halt Russian forces across all domains — land, sea, and cyberspace. Fedorov said Ukrainian troops continue to hold the front line, adding that Russia is sustaining heavy losses for every kilometre of territory. In the Donetsk region, he cited a density of 156 soldiers per square kilometre, while Ukraine’s benchmark is to inflict losses exceeding 200 troops per km², a level he said would make further advances impossible. Planned measures include procurement reforms, completion of corps restructuring, and data-driven improvements to training and command systems.

The third goal is to deprive Russia of the financial resources needed to continue the war. Fedorov said Moscow funds military operations largely through oil revenues, including sales conducted via a so-called shadow fleet. Ukraine is working with partners to tighten sanctions, coordinate maritime actions, and develop strategies aimed at increasing Russia’s budget deficit and limiting its ability to finance the conflict.

He added that implementation of the plan rests on expanding international partnerships to secure record levels of assistance, maintaining technological superiority over Russian forces, and using battlefield data systems such as DELTA and the ePoints program to improve decision-making and strike precision.

Fedorov concluded that peace would become possible once Ukraine secures its airspace, strips the Russian army of offensive potential, and places unsustainable pressure on Russia’s economy. He thanked Ukrainian soldiers, volunteers, businesses, and citizens supporting the defence effort, praising what he called the heroism of the Ukrainian people.