The Air Force will apply a new approach in the use of air defense, involving mobile fire groups, interceptor unmanned aerial vehicles and other short-range air defense vehicles. The system will be converted" - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on January 19.
The Ukrainian leader also announced the appointment of Mr. Pavlo Yelizarov as Deputy Commander of the Air Force, in charge of monitoring and developing this new air defense model.
Ukraine is still suffering heavy consequences from Russia's airstrikes in early January 2026, causing electricity and heating systems to be disrupted in thousands of apartment buildings, especially in the capital Kiev.
President Zelensky has repeatedly called for increased air defense capabilities, including calling for increased support from Western allies.
Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, Ukraine has rapidly developed its domestic unmanned aerial vehicle production capacity, and considers interceptor unmanned aerial vehicles as an effective and economical solution to deal with Russian attacks.
In a speech on January 19, President Zelensky warned the Ukrainian people to be extremely vigilant against the risk of Russia launching new attacks.
Russia has prepared for a large-scale attack, and is waiting for the time to proceed," he said, calling on all regions in Ukraine to "be ready to react as quickly as possible and support the people".
Last weekend, President Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha informed that Ukrainian intelligence recorded that Russia is conducting reconnaissance of certain targets, especially substations supplying electricity to nuclear power plants.
The Ukrainian President also said that he had directed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to make decisions this week to overcome difficulties caused by recent Russian attacks, including spending bonuses for tens of thousands of rescuers participating in restoring heating and electricity systems.
