Zelenskyy chairs crucial Staff meeting: Commanders present in-person
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, January 9, held a Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff meeting. Commanders of the main directions and operations were present in person, according to the President's Telegram channel.
"Alongside them, the General Staff, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Strategic Industries, and Ministry of Digital Transformation, we thoroughly discussed the issue of providing the front with ammunition and drones. Actual expenses, daily needs, and distribution among units," Zelenskyy wrote.
According to him, during the briefing, they organized current and future contracts, assistance from partners, domestic production, and the launch of new lines.
"We are doing everything to provide our soldiers with everything necessary to accomplish their tasks," the president stated.
Another crucial topic during the briefing was the strengthening of air defense in Ukraine.
"We analyzed recent Russian strikes and the effectiveness of the Air Force. We coordinated our next steps to reinforce the protection of cities, communities, enterprises, and critical infrastructure objects," emphasized Zelenskyy.
Downing of Kinzhals by Patriot air defense systems
Previously, Ukrainian air defense systems couldn't intercept Kinzhal missiles, but with the introduction of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems into the army's arsenal, this became possible.
Defense Express reported that Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted a Kinzhal missile on May 4 and published photographs of the missile debris. Later, this information was confirmed by the Air Force.
Subsequently, on the night of May 16, the Russians again attacked Ukraine with Kinzhals, and the air defense forces shot down all six enemy missiles of this type.
As spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force Yurii Ihnat disclosed, Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems intercepted 25 Russian Kinzhal missiles launched from MiG-31K fighters. This achievement was accomplished in almost a year of operation of the air defense systems.
