Zelensky announces sweeping overhaul of Ukraine air defenses

Wednesday 11 February 2026 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Zelensky announces sweeping overhaul of Ukraine air defenses

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Ukraine is undertaking major changes to its air defense operations, with some regions undergoing what he described as an almost complete reconstruction of their protective systems as Russia continues sustained drone attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The announcement came during his evening address following extended meetings with senior military leadership, including Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Significant adjustments are already under way in the structure and functioning of air defense units, Zelensky said. In several oblasts, interceptor units, mobile fire groups and the broader short range air defense component are being reorganized or rebuilt. He indicated that the effort amounts to a near total restructuring in certain areas facing persistent aerial threats.

The president added that the overhaul will extend beyond air defense. Further reforms are planned to strengthen oversight of drone and weapons deliveries and to address personnel management at the front. He described staffing as a central issue, stressing the need for better training and meaningful reinforcements for frontline brigades.

The restructuring follows sharp criticism Zelensky directed at the air force on February 6, when he described its performance in some regions as unsatisfactory. That same night, Russia launched 328 drones and seven missiles at targets across Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian air force, 297 drones were intercepted.

Zelensky has placed particular emphasis on reinforcing defenses in Kharkiv and other regions bordering Russia. He said the air force must act more quickly to expand protection in Kharkiv oblast and elsewhere, adding that Ukraine cannot afford to wait for certain military units to adapt.

Kharkiv, located about 30 kilometers from the Russian border, has endured especially intense bombardment. Regional governor Oleh Synehubov recently described the situation as a catastrophic shortage of air defense systems affecting both the region and the country as a whole.

The latest measures build on reforms launched in January, when Zelensky appointed Colonel Pavlo Yelizarov as deputy commander of the air force to oversee a strategy centered on mobile fire teams and interceptor drones. Following his February 6 remarks, Zelensky ordered additional personnel changes within counter drone units.

Russian forces have maintained pressure on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure throughout the winter, triggering widespread power outages that have disrupted heating and water services nationwide. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence said last week that Ukraine’s power grid is facing its most acute crisis of the winter season.