Ukraine’s new defense minister, Yevgeny Khmara, said during an address to the Verkhovna Rada that Kyiv intends to regain the strategic initiative on the battlefield and force Russia into peace.
Khmara argued that this could only be achieved through the strength of the Ukrainian military, technological development and what he described as symmetrical solutions. He placed particular emphasis on the constant modernization and effective use of new technologies.
The minister also said Ukraine plans to continue strikes on targets inside Russian territory. He identified professionalism, unconventional approaches and further technological development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as key factors in gaining an advantage.
Among his main priorities, Khmara named strengthening frontline units, improving support for personnel and expanding Ukraine’s defense industry. He also focused on military procurement, saying weapons must reach the front in sufficient quantities, on time and in line with the actual needs of combat units.
To achieve that, he called for less bureaucracy and more transparent procurement procedures designed specifically around battlefield requirements.
Khmara also said Ukraine intends to increase the share of domestically produced weapons and improve strike accuracy. In his view, new technologies should give Ukrainian troops an edge on the battlefield while reducing risks to personnel.