New Ukrainian Defense Minister meets with top generals: What was discussed
Photo: Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal (Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine)
Newly appointed Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal held his first meeting on July 18 with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces General Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Major General Andrii Hnatov, according to a post by Shmyhal.
"We discussed the situation on the frontlines, increasing the defense independence of our country, and the needs of the military. We’re preparing new weapons deliveries for our defenders, including with support from international partners. It’s crucial that any offensive attempts by the enemy are crushed by the strength of the Ukrainian army," the statement read.
Shmyhal added that the Armed Forces command and the Ministry of Defense will work together to carry out assigned tasks and strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Photo: Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, Defense Minister Shmyhal, Chief of the General Staff Hnatov (t.me/Denys_Smyhal)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already set key tasks for Shmyhal, following their first official meeting on July 18. The new Defense Minister is expected to audit existing arms supply agreements, present a working plan for the ministry, and define strategic priorities.
On July 17, the Verkhovna Rada appointed former Prime Minister Shmyhal as Ukraine’s new Minister of Defense, following a nomination by President Zelenskyy. A total of 267 lawmakers voted in favor. Shmyhal has already outlined his main areas of focus in the new role.
