Ukraine Is Shifting Its Defense Priorities: Zelenskyy Sets a Deadline
20 July 22:54
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that amendments to the country’s defense strategy are being prepared. These measures are intended to strengthen Ukraine’s positions on the front lines, expedite the delivery of weapons, and prepare the country for possible Russian actions this fall. The president announced this in a post on his Telegram channel, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Zelenskyy is preparing changes to Ukraine’s defense strategy
According to the president, a special meeting was held following several days of consultations with the commanders of Ukrainian corps carrying out the most critical combat missions.
For the first time in this format, commanders of combat units spoke directly with Ukrainian manufacturers of weapons and military equipment. Representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance, and the special services also joined the discussion.
“For the first time, there was direct, face-to-face communication between our major weapons and equipment manufacturers and the corps commanders who actually use the products, as well as with Ukraine’s Ministries of Defense and Finance and our country’s main special services,” the president noted.
Zelenskyy emphasized that he will continue to determine exactly what adjustments need to be made to Ukraine’s defense strategy, as well as which areas of weapons production and supply should be prioritized.
Who Participated in the Special Meeting
The meeting was attended by the commander of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the commanders of the 10th, 11th, and 19th Army Corps, as well as representatives of the “Charter” and “Azov” corps.
In addition to military leadership, leading representatives of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex were invited to the meeting.
As the president noted in a statement following the meeting, the main goal was to establish direct communication between the military personnel using the weapons on the front lines and the companies that manufacture them.
What Weapons Are Needed at the Front
Meeting participants discussed the actual combat needs of Ukrainian units, delays in supply, problematic procurements, additional funding, and the signing of new contracts.
Among the military’s main needs, Zelenskyy listed:
- various types of drones;
- ground-based robotic systems;
- long-range artillery munitions;
- other equipment for units on the most active front lines.
The supply of long-range artillery, drones, and ground-based robotic systems was prepared in advance for consideration by the General Staff.
Weapons manufacturers must respond more quickly to the military’s needs
Special attention was paid at the meeting to the quality of the weapons and equipment being delivered to combat units.
The President emphasized that Ukrainian manufacturers must receive direct feedback from the military, promptly address any identified shortcomings, and improve their products in accordance with the actual conditions of their use.
This format of communication between corps commanders, defense enterprises, and government officials is planned to become a regular occurrence. The Ministry of Defense and the National Security and Defense Council are to coordinate these meetings.
Meetings with commanders will continue
Zelenskyy also announced similar meetings with other corps commanders. Once the consultations are complete, the government will determine further changes to defense policy and update priorities for the production and supply of weapons.
Prior to convening the special High Command meeting, the president met with representatives of the military leadership, including Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatiy, Commander of the Airborne Forces Oleg Apostol, Commander of the “Azov” Battalion Denys Prokopenko, Ihor Obolensky, commander of “Charter,” and Andriy Biletsky, commander of the 3rd Army Corps.
During these meetings, they discussed the situation on the front lines, possible actions by Russian troops, the use of modern technologies and drones, coordination among units, and the logistical support of the Defense Forces.
Ukraine is preparing for possible Russian actions this fall
During the special meeting at the General Staff, the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense and diplomatic efforts with international partners were discussed separately.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must enter August as strong as possible and prepare for various scenarios regarding the course of events and Russia’s behavior this fall.
Thus, the announced changes may concern not only supplying the front lines with weapons but also the work of the defense industry, the procurement system, financing, air defense, and coordination with international partners.
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