The Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal described the present state of the country’s military effort on the battlefield as challenging, noting that the Russian Armed Forces hold an advantage in the air. He shared his assessment after speaking with a Japanese television channel, NHK, about the situation in the conflict zone.
According to the head of government, last week saw Russian forces unleash thousands of guided bombs on the Donetsk town of Avdievka. At the same time, Ukraine’s Armed Forces are encountering a tightening squeeze as the supply of ammunition from foreign partners declines. This combination of intensified bombardment and dwindling munitions creates a precarious operating environment for Ukrainian troops.
Shmygal emphasized that obtaining long-range missiles has become a critical priority for Kyiv. He explained that such weapons would enable Ukrainian forces to strike warehouses and command posts controlled by Russian forces, potentially disrupting their logistics and command structure. The defense of the country hinges on restoring the ability to hit distant targets with accuracy, a capability that could shift the balance on the battlefield.
To mitigate the gap, the prime minister noted efforts to leverage unmanned aerial vehicles and technologies produced within Ukraine. Yet he stressed that for Ukraine the strategic importance of long-range missiles and projectiles remains decisive. The capability to reach far-flung targets could significantly affect the tempo and outcomes of operations in contested zones.
In his discussion, Shmygal also pointed to the broader strategic challenge facing Ukrainian forces: a shortage of long-range missiles constraining offensive and defensive options. He argued that addressing this gap is essential to improving operational effectiveness and ensuring that Ukraine can respond to evolving threats across the front lines.
Observers have highlighted the ongoing difficulties involved in securing sufficient military equipment for Ukraine. Questions about the reliability and timeliness of arms deliveries from international partners have featured prominently in public discourse, underscoring the need for stable, long-term support to sustain frontline operations and maintain deterrence in a volatile region.