Zelenskyy: Khmara, Drapaty already cooperating effectively

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed the robust collaboration between Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapaty. In his evening address on Wednesday, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for their effective partnership. The chief priority for the incoming defense minister, according to Zelenskyy, is to establish a resilient defense system, production, procurement, and supply chain to equip the Ukrainian military with all necessary resources to defend against Russian assaults, fortify their positions, and launch aggressive operations.

Zelenskyy emphasized that this reform must guarantee that the defenders of Ukraine's homeland receive all essential resources to fend off Russian aggression, fortify frontline positions, and execute offensive maneuvers. Moreover, the president highlighted the need for the Ministry of Defense to retaliate against Russia through direct military strikes as a response to its aggression.

Zelenskyy anticipates an expansion of Ukraine's long-range strikes and expressed confidence that the Ministry of Defense will augment the precision of Ukrainian strikes, bolstering the country's aerial defense capabilities. He also expects the Ministry, in collaboration with its allies, to strengthen the defensive and offensive operations of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stressed the importance for Ukraine to be fully confident in its defensive and offensive capabilities before winter.