Ukraine's new defense minister lays out his vision
After winning approval from the Verkhovna Rada, Yevhenii Khmara delivered his first address as Ukraine's defense minister, posting the remarks on the ministry's Telegram channel. The central message: anything that helps sustain Russia's war effort can now be considered a legitimate target, wherever it is located.
"Distance no longer protects them. For the facilities supporting Russia's war, safe havens are gone. For the first time in history, we are hitting targets even in Siberia. The entire economic foundation of the enemy's war machine is on our target list," Khmara said.
What the Defense Ministry will focus on
Khmara named three equal priorities for the ministry:
- the front line
- human capital
- the defense industry
By "front line," he meant seizing the strategic initiative on land, at sea, in the air, and in the information domain. The Defense Ministry, he said, is cooperating with allies to shield Ukraine's skies from Russian ballistic missiles.
"The military needs weapons - large quantities, delivered on time, through clear procedures and without unnecessary red tape. Procurement will serve only the front and the defense of Ukraine, not any private interests," Khmara added.
The minister also asserted that Ukraine is aware of Russia's next moves, including its mobilization plans and strategy for autumn and winter. "There will be more Ukrainian weapons. The strikes will be more precise," he stressed. On human capital, Khmara emphasized that motivated soldiers depend on dignity, solid training, and fair service conditions, saying: "I know from personal experience that a fighter is motivated when he feels respected, receives proper training, and serves under fair rules."
To strengthen Ukraine's defense capacity, Khmara called for expanding production in the military-industrial complex. He cited the operation against Novorossiysk as an example of effective coordination among the armed forces, manufacturers, and state bodies. The new defense minister also highlighted the focus on two specific strike categories - deep strike and middle strike - arguing that this approach will help Ukraine achieve its strategic goals in countering Russian aggression.
In his first public remarks as defense minister, Khmara signaled a broader strategic shift in Ukraine's military posture. By emphasizing targeted strikes on Russia's war-supporting infrastructure and pairing them with investments in personnel and weapons production, he outlined a comprehensive approach to strengthening Ukraine's defenses. His comments come as Ukraine continues to adapt its military strategy in the face of Russia's full-scale invasion.
As Ukraine's defense strategy evolves, it's essential to understand the broader context of these developments. On the 1,638th day of the ongoing conflict, President Zelensky outlined the key objectives for the new defense minister, emphasizing the need for a focused approach to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities in the face of ongoing aggression. This strategic alignment is crucial as Ukraine prepares for further challenges ahead.