Ukraine's acting defence minister meets new commander-in-chief Drapatyi to discuss battlefield support and strikes on Russia

Acting defence minister Yevhenii Khmara, during a meeting with Mykhailo Drapatyi, the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has discussed the needs of the battlefield, the development of long-range capabilities and further strikes on Russian territory.

Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry

Details: According to Khmara, brigade and corps commanders outlined specific challenges currently facing Ukraine's defence forces during the meeting.

He named battlefield support, increased assistance from partners, and the "maximum transfer of the war onto the aggressor's territory" among the top priorities.

To achieve this, the Ministry of Defence plans to ensure combat units have access to effective strike capabilities, particularly long-range systems, as well as to develop technologies and asymmetric solutions.

Quote from Khmara: "The goal remains unchanged – technological superiority of our army over the Russian enemy and maximum preservation of lives through technological transformation. We must scale up what is already effective: deep strike and middle strike, unmanned ground systems and other solutions that save soldiers' lives and more effectively destroy the enemy."

Details: Khmara also said he had agreed with Drapatyi to openly discuss any disagreements and resolve them in the interests of Ukrainian servicemen.

He said that they share a common vision for the development of Ukraine's defence forces, supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They will also work on practical steps to end the war on Ukraine's terms and force Russia into a long-term peace.

Background:

• On the evening of 21 July, following six days of protests, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi to replace him.
• Syrskyi summed up his tenure, stating that he was handing over to Drapatyi an army on the offensive.
• On 22 July, Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi said he had received instructions from Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue and intensify offensive operations and to strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces.
• Presidential decrees confirming the change in the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and the chief of the General Staff were also published.
• According to documents dated 22 July, Oleksandr Syrskyi was dismissed, and Mykhailo Drapatyi – previously relieved of his post as commander of the Joint Forces – was appointed to the position.

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