Ukraine’s Air Force has begun performing better following a reorganization of parts of the air defense system, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 26 February, citing improved results in countering Russian missile and drone attacks.
In his evening address, Zelenskyy said more than 30 Russian missiles were intercepted in the latest wave of strikes, most of them targeting the energy sector. He said key facilities were protected and that Ukrainian forces also achieved results against Shahed-type drones.
Reorganized defenses show improved interception rates
“Over these weeks, the Air Force has started performing better – some elements of the system were successfully reorganized,” he said, referring to structural changes in the organization of defenses against massive strikes.
He added that such interception rates are possible when Ukraine has sufficient ammunition and when partners fulfill agreed deliveries. His comments echo recent warnings from Deputy Presidential Office head Ihor Zhovkva that delayed Western deliveries of interceptors leave Ukraine exposed to ballistic missile strikes.
Zelenskyy thanked the Air Force command, as well as the energy and defense ministers, and personnel at both central and regional levels involved in maintaining air defense operations. He also signed a decree awarding state decorations to servicemembers defending Ukrainian airspace, including army aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, and mobile fire groups.
Reforms follow weeks of strain on air defense network
The comments come after weeks of strain on Ukraine’s air defense network amid intensified Russian attacks. Earlier in February, Zelenskyy ordered personnel changes in Air Force units and called for stronger short-range defenses, citing uneven coverage in some regions.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has since announced the creation of a new military branch focused on protecting critical infrastructure from aerial strikes, as Kyiv continues to seek additional air defense systems from partners.
