Zelenskyy announces new approach to Ukraine’s air defence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined plans to modernise the country’s air defence system following meetings with senior defence and security officials, including Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and heads of the Security Service of Ukraine, Yevhen Khmara and Vasyl Maliuk.

In a post on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy said the modernisation would focus on mobile fire units, drone interceptors, and other short-range air defence capabilities, with an emphasis on adapting the system to meet contemporary threats.

The president also confirmed the appointment of Colonel Pavlo Yelizarov, known by the callsign “Lazar”, as deputy commander of the Air Force. His special unit has already gained recognition for its operational effectiveness.

“Together with the Defence Minister and military leadership, we will develop a new structure for the entire air defence component,” Zelenskyy said, underlining the strategic overhaul of Ukraine’s aerial protection.

By Aghakazim Guliyev