Zelenskyy orders Defense Ministry to boost air defenses
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (GettyImages)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a special energy-focused conference call, during which he heard reports on efforts to eliminate the consequences of Russian strikes and on decisions aimed at strengthening the resilience of cities and communities, according to his Telegram post.
Highest strain on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions
According to the head of state, repair crews, the State Emergency Service, energy companies, and municipal services are working across the country. The most difficult situation currently remains in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region, as well as the Zaporizhzhia region.
After the overnight attack on the Kyiv region, additional challenges emerged in Hostomel, Bucha, and Irpin. All necessary services have been deployed to deal with the aftermath. The situation in Odesa is also expected to be stabilized during the day.
Separate reports focused on the Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Electricity imports and partner support
The president separately emphasized the need to urgently increase electricity imports and secure additional equipment from international partners.
According to Zelenskyy, all necessary decisions have already been made, and the ramp-up of imports should proceed without delay.
Orders to the Defense Ministry on air defense
The president said he had issued specific instructions to Ukraine's defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, regarding the work of the Air Force and strengthening the protection of Ukraine’s airspace.
"Relevant decisions are being prepared," he noted.
As a reminder, Fedorov was recently appointed head of the Defense Ministry, with 277 members of parliament voting in favor of his appointment.
Moreover, according to Zelenskyy, as of yesterday morning, Ukraine had several air defense systems without missiles. However, the necessary ammunition has since arrived. At the same time, the Defense Ministry has stated that Ukraine needs additional missiles for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure from massive Russian attacks.
