Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced planned personnel changes within the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These changes are intended to enhance the country’s air defense, particularly to improve the effectiveness of protection against Russian strike drones of the “Shahed” type.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Measures to Strengthen the Fight Against Drones
In his evening address, released on February 6, Zelensky emphasized the need to improve the effectiveness of small air defense units. According to him, countering enemy drones must significantly improve to avoid existing problems in the operation of defensive lines. The President highlighted that the situation regarding protection varies across different regions: some areas are better prepared, while others require substantial improvement.
“The component of small air defense – specifically countering strike drones – must operate much more effectively and prevent the issues that currently exist. In some areas, the defensive lines are built better, while in others, there is still significant work to be done. It is important that the Minister of Defense of Ukraine is addressing this issue, the commander of the Air Force has received additional instructions, and there are sufficient resources within our Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine, along with enough experience that can and should be scaled,” emphasized Zelensky.
Statistics on Attacks and Assessment of Air Force Performance
On the same day, the President of Ukraine characterized the performance of the Air Force in several regions as “unsatisfactory,” but did not specify which regions were being referred to.
Daily, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports on the number of missiles and drones launched by the Russian Federation’s military against Ukrainian territory, as well as the consequences of these strikes. According to military sources, on the night of February 6, there were 22 hits by strike drones in 14 locations, as well as debris falling in two places. In total, the Russian forces launched 328 drones and seven missiles.