Zelenskyy sets key tasks for new defence minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held his first meeting with Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence, during which the initial priorities of the Defence Ministry were defined.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Quote: "A meeting with Ukraine's Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov. I am grateful to the members of parliament for supporting Mykhailo. We immediately identified the first priorities for the Ministry of Defence."

Details: Zelensky said that the main priority is the protection of the skies. "There are concrete decisions that must be implemented as quickly as possible," Zelenskyy said.

The second priority, Zelenskyy noted, in coordination with the military, is a significant strengthening of the technological component to halt the advance of Russian forces on the battlefield, as well as resolving pressing issues related to supplying the front line.

"In particular, an expedited audit of defence sector funding will take place. Mykhailo will present ways to address the existing shortages," Zelenkyy stressed.

Decisions are also being prepared to increase financial support for Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers on the front line.

"We are also working separately on drone supplies – the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine must introduce a basic level of drone provision for combat brigades and ensure the procurement of specialised drones capable of striking the enemy at greater depth," Zelenskyyy explained.

As a third priority, Zelenskyy named systemic solutions to the problems that have accumulated with the Territorial Recruitment Centres, which the Ministry of Defence will propose.

"Decisions have already been made to ensure a more equitable distribution of personnel among combat brigades. However, much broader changes are needed in the mobilisation process that will guarantee more opportunities both for Ukraine's Defence and Security Forces and for economic processes in our state," Zelenskyy wrote.

The minister of defence of Ukraine will also present the ministry's new team in the near future.

Background: Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) approved the appointment of former First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov as the new Minister of Defence.

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