The Ukrainian president, Vladimir Zelensky, reported that he convened a high-level meeting described as a “special format” with the military cabinet to review and plan the expansion of the country’s defense industrial capabilities. He shared the update on his Telegram channel, highlighting the strategic purpose behind the gathering.
Zelensky noted that commanders from multiple service branches took part in the discussions. The agenda featured presentations from top leaders, including Valery Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Defense; Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate; and Vasily Malyuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine. The briefing underscored a collective commitment to strengthening operational readiness and aligning procurement, production, and deployment timelines with urgent defense needs.
Participants reviewed a concrete action plan with milestones and measurable deadlines, emphasizing the involvement of international partners and Ukraine’s own industrial output. The discussions centered on expanding the capacity of the Ukrainian defense sector, from enabling faster weaponry production to ensuring clearer accountability and coordination across ministries and military commands. A key takeaway was the agreement on shared positions aimed at accelerating capability improvements while maintaining rigorous oversight.
Earlier, Zelensky signaled Ukraine’s intent to monitor and potentially target the new permanent base announced for the Russian Navy in Abkhazia. This stance reflects ongoing considerations about how Kyiv might respond to threats and safeguard its coastal and regional interests amid the broader conflict. The president has repeatedly stressed that Ukrainian efforts must avoid broadening the conflict while pursuing strategic objectives through measured and lawful actions.
In related remarks, Zelensky reiterated the importance of shielding Ukraine from spillovers of hostilities into Russian territory, a principle that has guided much of Kyiv’s diplomatic and military calculus. The emphasis remains on maintaining pressure where it matters most — at the line of contact and within the frameworks that international partners support — while seeking to preserve regional stability and minimize civilian harm.