Zelenskyy demands faster air defense: Air Force command structure must act more quickly
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
In Ukraine, work to restore the energy infrastructure after Russian strikes is continuing almost without interruption. The most difficult situation is in Kyiv, as well as in Kharkiv and the surrounding region, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, and Sumy, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during his evening address.
According to him, the capital is currently facing the greatest challenges, with a significant number of buildings remaining without heating for an extended period.
Kyiv receives additional resources
Zelenskyy expects the city authorities to step up their efforts, noting that the government and communities from other regions are ready to provide support. Currently, 174 emergency crews are involved in the work in the capital; however, according to the president, despite the results achieved, this is still not enough.
He instructed the government to allocate additional resources and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to expand support and heating points. Ukraine is also working with partners to secure additional equipment as quickly as possible.
Protection of energy infrastructure and Air Force operations
The president paid special attention to the protection of energy infrastructure facilities. Zelenskyy held talks with Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Anatolii Kryvonozhko.
"The Air Force command structure must act much faster in defense," the head of state emphasized.
Negotiations and diplomatic pressure
Zelenskyy also reported on a full briefing by the Ukrainian delegation following the trilateral meetings, which for the first time in a long while included a format with Ukraine, the US, and Russia. The parties discussed military issues, including steps to end the war and mechanisms for control and monitoring.
A follow-up meeting of the commands is preliminarily scheduled for Sunday. The president stressed that Ukraine will be fully prepared, while Russia remains the only side prolonging the war.
Sanctions and international support
Zelenskyy emphasized that pressure on Russia must be increased, as sanctions and the blocking of its operations are producing real results in stopping the war. He thanked international partners — from Norway and Italy to Poland, Germany, and the Baltic states — for their assistance to Ukraine and Kyiv.
Protecting Ukrainian airspace
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously issued specific instructions to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov regarding the work of the Air Force and strengthening the country’s airspace defense.
He also noted that Ukraine previously had air defense systems without missiles, but the necessary ammunition has now arrived.
At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine currently cannot produce missiles for Western air defense systems on its own, as partners are not yet ready to provide production licenses.
Additionally, on Monday, January 19, the president announced updates to the approach of the Ukrainian Air Force in using air defense systems.
