Photo: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official
Ukraine’s defense ministry sets priorities under new minister Fedorov
The primary task of Ukraine’s new defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, is protecting the country’s airspace. He is also tasked with auditing defense funding and ensuring combat brigades are supplied with drones.
President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined these priorities in a statement on Telegram, following a meeting with Fedorov.
“The main goal is air defense. Specific measures must be implemented as quickly as possible. Second, in coordination with the military, the technological component must be significantly strengthened to stop the advance of Russian forces on the battlefield, and frontline supply issues must be resolved,” Zelensky said.
Funding audit, drones, and TCC challenges
The president emphasized the need for an immediate audit of defense funding to address budget gaps and ensure efficient resource allocation.
“We are also working on drone supply—Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense must establish a baseline provision of drones for combat brigades and procure specialized drones to target the enemy deeper behind the front lines,” he added.
Another priority is reforming the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC).
“Third, the Ministry of Defense will propose systemic solutions to issues accumulated within the TCC. Decisions have already been made to ensure a fairer distribution of personnel among combat brigades,” Zelensky said, highlighting the need for broader mobilization reforms to enhance Ukraine’s defense and security capabilities, as well as support economic processes.
The president noted that Fedorov will soon introduce the ministry’s new leadership team.
On January 14, the Verkhovna Rada approved Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine’s defense minister, with 277 deputies voting in favor.
