The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, during which he outlined three priority areas of work. The head of state reported on the results of the meeting on his social media on October 21.
The first priority was the preparation of new defense agreements aimed at strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force. 'This is part of our strategy to create sufficiently strong Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure the security of our state in the long term,' the president noted. Zelensky emphasized the need for proper coordination among all state institutions and components of the Defense Forces involved in the preparation and implementation of the agreement.
The second area concerns meetings with leaders of the European community and the coalition of willing partners, which are planned for this week. The president highlighted the importance of each state clearly understanding 'what can support us most effectively at this moment.' The list of needs includes air defense systems, specific content of defense support packages, expansion of the PURL program, necessary equipment to restore energy infrastructure after strikes, and coordination of tightening sanctions against the aggressor.
The third item on the agenda includes preparations for the upcoming meetings of the State General Staff and detailed work on the needs of the defense industry. In this regard, the apparatus of the NSDC will be transformed. 'The indicator of providing the front with Ukrainian weapons by the end of this year must be at least 50%. This must be fulfilled,' Zelensky set the goal.
During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelensky identified three main areas of work, including the preparation of new defense agreements, meetings with leaders of the European community to gain support, and preparations for meetings of the General Staff to discuss the needs of the defense industry.