Zelenskyy orders personnel shake-up in Ukraine’s air defence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced upcoming personnel changes in the country’s air defence system amid ongoing attacks by Russian strike drones. 

According to him, special attention will be given to improving defences against kamikaze drones, including Iranian-made Shahed drones, which remain one of the key threats to Ukrainian infrastructure.

Zelenskyy reported on his Telegram channel that the changes will affect certain regions and units of the Ukrainian Air Force. He emphasised that the short-range air defence component, responsible for countering strike drones, must operate far more effectively, and existing problems must be resolved as quickly as possible. 

Zelenskyy noted that in some sectors, the defence is well-organised, while in others, great improvements are required. The issue is being handled directly by the Minister of Defence, and the Air Force Commander has received additional instructions.

The head of state also stressed the importance of scaling up successful approaches and solutions across all areas where results remain insufficient. According to him, Ukraine’s defence and security forces possess the necessary resources and expertise, which must be deployed as quickly as possible, because “every day counts,” and all decisions must be implemented without delay.

By Tamilla Hasanova