The meeting focused particularly on key sectors, including
the areas around Slovyansk and Kostiantynivka and the Zaporizhzhya sector,
Zelenskyy said.
“The situation on the front is tough, and we will look for
opportunities to expand all programs supporting Ukrainian units,” the president
said.
Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian troops for killing Russian
forces and repelling enemy assaults. Participants also discussed Ukraine’s
campaign of long-range strikes against Russia over the war it launched.
Zelenskyy said the campaign was “progressing at a sufficiently steady pace” and
achieving its objectives.
The meeting also covered logistical challenges, Russian
attacks on Odesa and Odesa Oblast, and strikes on port infrastructure and the
maritime corridor.
Ukrainian Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa, military
intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko and Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi briefed
the meeting. Koretskyi reported on cooperation with regional partner countries
that could strengthen cross-border coordination with Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said he expects the government to present specific
measures next week to diversify export routes. Keeping grain exports moving and
logistics stable is important not only for Ukraine but also for global food
security, he said.
Protecting the agricultural sector and maritime trade routes
from Russian attacks is directly in Europe’s interest because potential food
crises in nearby regions could trigger new waves of migration, Zelenskyy added.
Intelligence officials also reported that Russia may launch
further strikes against Ukraine and Ukrainian vessels. Zelenskyy said Ukraine
is preparing countermeasures.
Officials also updated Ukraine’s list of defense supplies
needed from international partners. Zelenskyy said he would discuss those
requirements with foreign leaders.
Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of Armed Forces
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on July 21 and named Drapatyi, previously
commander of the Armed Forces’ Joint Forces, as his replacement.
He signed decrees dismissing Syrskyi and appointing Drapatyi
on July 22. The same day, Zelenskyy announced that former Air Assault Forces
commander Ihor Skybiuk would become the new chief of the Armed Forces General
Staff.