Zelensky named the priorities of the Ministry of Defense after Hmara's appointment

President Volodymyr Zelensky set the new leadership of the Ministry of Defense the task to restructure the system of weapons production and procurement, accelerate deliveries of what troops need, and strengthen air defense. Ukraine must enter the winter as prepared as possible for the continuation of Russian aggression, the head of state said in his evening address on August 19.

The main task, Zelensky said, is to actually fine-tune the entire defense supply system—from the production and purchase of weapons to their timely transfer to combat units. According to the president, the Ukrainian military must have enough means to repel Russian attacks, hold positions, and conduct active operations.

A separate direction will be the development of the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex. The president expects that the Ministry of Defense, together with domestic producers, will be able to increase output of necessary weapons and expand the capabilities of the Defense Forces to carry out long-range strikes against Russian military potential.

Another priority is the protection of Ukrainian skies. Zelensky has previously stated that Ukraine continues to work with partners on the supply of missiles for air defense systems, expanding the capabilities of Patriot systems, and developing its own anti-ballistic defense. According to him, delays on such decisions directly affect the country's ability to protect people and infrastructure.

Hmara took charge of the Ministry of Defense

The statement came on the day Yevhen Hmara was appointed Minister of Defense. The Verkhovna Rada supported his candidacy on August 19. Before that, Hmara temporarily headed the defense ministry, and earlier he led the Special Operations Center "A" of the SBU and served as acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine.

Zelensky noted the new minister's experience in conducting combat and special operations. The president expects that the Ministry of Defense under his leadership will closely interact with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi and the military command when determining the needs of units and organizing supplies.

Hmara himself, when presenting his priorities, named three main areas of work: strengthening the frontline and the army, preserving the life and health of servicemen, and developing the Ukrainian defense industry. Among the tasks he also singled out timely weapons deliveries, development of technological capabilities, and continuation of long-range operations.

The restructuring of defense procurement already affects certain purchasing procedures. In particular, the Ministry of Defense recently simplified the purchase of fuel for the army, eliminating the need for repeated price approval when the market price changes during the procurement process. The goal of the changes is to reduce delays in supplying resources to the military.

"Before winter, we in Ukraine must be sure—and we will be sure—in our defense, in our positions as much as possible," — Zelensky concluded.

Based on materials from: Volodymyr Zelensky, Office of the President of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine