New tactics and weapons development: Zelenskyy and first vice PM discuss changes in MoD
Photo: Mykhailo Fedorov, First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with First Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov the formats of changes in the Ministry of Defense that Fedorov is preparing to implement in his new position, according to the head of state on Telegram.
Fedorov’s report
As Zelenskyy noted after his conversation with Fedorov, the main principle in the work of the Ministry of Defense is that technology should save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
"Russia has one significant advantage in this war: the ability to apply pressure through the scale of its strikes and assaults on Ukraine. We must respond with more active use of technology, faster development of new types of weapons, and new tactics," the president added.
He emphasized that from the very beginning of the war, the Ministry of Digital Transformation has remained an active source of innovation for Ukraine’s defense sector. This includes the development of weapons markets, the use of drones, and modern communications.
According to Zelenskyy, although Ukraine is committed to diplomacy and wants to end the war as soon as possible, Russia does not demonstrate the same approach. Therefore, countering it requires greater technological advancement and transformation of the defense sector.
"We discussed the formats of changes that Mykhailo Fedorov is ready to implement in the role of Minister of Defense of Ukraine. In a week, Mykhailo will present the necessary draft decisions. I expect that the parliament will support this strengthening," the head of state added.
Russian losses in recent months
Fedorov also reported on the implementation of various areas of modernization in Ukraine’s defense sector. In particular, in December 2025, video footage confirmed that as many as 35,000 troops had been eliminated.
In November, there were 30,000 confirmed losses, and in October, 26,000 losses.
"Clearly, technology is working effectively. The supply of drones to the troops is steadily increasing. We are preparing new special formats to strengthen the drone component of our defense," the president said.
Fedorov to become Minister of Defense
On January 2, it became known that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had offered First Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov the position of Minister of Defense.
For Fedorov to assume this role, his candidacy must be approved by the Verkhovna Rada (the parliament).
