Zelenskyy: Ukraine strengthening defence of Donetsk region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had received a briefing from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi on the situation along the front line, with particular attention given to the defence of Kostiantynivka, Slovyansk and the wider Donetsk region.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces continue to repel Russian attacks and disrupt infiltration attempts, Caliber.Az reports.

I received a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi. Particular focus was on the defense of Kostiantynivka, Slovyansk, and the Donetsk region as a whole. I am grateful to all units that are fully carrying out their combat missions,…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 7, 2026

"Particular focus was on the defence of Kostiantynivka, Slovyansk, and the Donetsk region as a whole. I am grateful to all units that are fully carrying out their combat missions, repelling Russian assaults, eliminating infiltration attempts, and systematically destroying the occupiers. We understand how to reinforce this sector," he wrote.

The Ukrainian president also said the briefing covered efforts to increase pressure on Russia through long-range strikes, claiming that a recent operation targeted the Yaroslavl oil refinery.

"Good results have been achieved at the Yaroslavl oil refinery. We are continuing the relevant operations," Zelenskyy said.

According to Zelenskyy, Drapatyi also updated him on discussions with U.S. officials regarding Ukraine's anti-ballistic defence capabilities and the supply of additional air defence missiles.

"We are working at every level to secure packages of air defence missiles. All our partners know what is needed and how this affects not only the saving of lives and the protection of our cities, but also Russia's attitude toward diplomacy," he said.

Zelenskyy argued that strengthening Ukraine's air defences would also support diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

"The more Putin believes in his bet on ballistic missiles, the more reticent he will be to respond positively to diplomatic proposals. Therefore, strengthening Ukraine's defence is a direct investment in diplomacy," he added.

The Ukrainian president said he and the commander-in-chief also discussed personnel issues within the armed forces that require further attention.

By Sabina Mammadli