President Zelenskyy: Air Force to adopt new air defence approach

“We agreed with Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko that the Government must adopt the necessary decisions for energy workers this week,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on Jan. 19.

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Briefly about this day. Air defense: there will be a new approach to the use of air defense by the Air Force, specifically regarding mobile fire groups, interceptor drones, and other means of short-range air defense. This system will be transformed. I approved the appointment of a new Deputy Commander of the Air Force – Pavlo Yelizarov. In the army, he is known for Lazar, a special unit that operates – and operates effectively. Together with Ukraine’s Minister of Defense and the military command, a new organization for the entire component of this particular type of air defense must – and will – be developed.

We had a detailed discussion during the energy coordination call on recovery efforts in the regions after Russian strikes. The situation is extremely difficult in all border and frontline regions. First and foremost in Kharkiv and the region, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro region, Chernihiv, and Sumy region. Work continues in Odesa – there are tasks to be done. Special attention is being paid to Kyiv and the region – the situation is currently the most difficult there, and additional repair crews have been brought in for Kyiv, including from Ukrzaliznytsia and other state-owned companies.

Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine