The acting Minister of Defense, Oleksandr Khmara, announced a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the Russian military apparatus. “We will disable the Russian military machine by destroying infrastructure, fleets, logistics, and energy supply facilities that support the war against Ukraine,” he stated.
Khmara described the operation near Novorossiysk as unique, highlighting a coordinated strike using missiles, drones, and naval unmanned vehicles. He noted that Russia has struggled against the synchronized efforts of Ukrainian forces.
He credited the increase in operational effectiveness to the growing synergy within the defense forces, expressing gratitude to Ukrainian soldiers for their precision and to local arms manufacturers for their innovations that enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into enemy territory.
“Enhancing deep strike capabilities against Russia is a key priority. Together with Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapaty, the General Staff, and other defense components, we will increase this pressure. During a meeting chaired by the President, we outlined further joint steps. Ukrainian operations will become progressively more complex for adversaries to counter, with our weaponry becoming more widespread and strikes increasingly precise. Russia will burn. We are working to fulfill the President’s directive to compel Russia towards a just peace,” Khmara concluded.
Background Context
- On July 15, the Ukrainian Parliament dismissed the government led by Yulia Svyrydenko. Following the announcement of Mykhailo Fedorov’s absence in the new Cabinet, protests erupted, demanding the resignation of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- On July 16, amid the scandal, President Volodymyr Zelensky temporarily appointed Khmara to lead the Ministry of Defense, a decision supported by the Cabinet.
- On July 21, Zelensky announced the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and the appointment of Mykhailo Drapaty, previously the commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, tasking them with devising a renewed defense strategy.
