President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine will reconfigure its air-defence approach by deploying small, mobile units equipped with interceptor drones and appointing Pavlo Yelizarov to lead the effort. The move follows recent Russian strikes that cut power and heating to thousands of homes and comes amid warnings of a possible "massive" new attack. Zelenskiy urged heightened vigilance and tasked the prime minister with decisions on support measures, including bonuses for emergency crews.
Zelenskiy Announces Mobile Interceptor-Drone Units to Reshape Ukraine's Air Defences
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks during the official opening of Cyprus taking over the EU presidency at the THOC theatre in Nicosia, Cyprus January 7, 2026. HADJIELIA KYRIAKOS /PIO/Handout via REUTERS
Ukraine will introduce small, mobile air-defence units equipped with interceptor drones as part of a broader transformation of its Air Force air-defence system, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday.
The announcement comes as Ukraine recovers from a wave of Russian strikes earlier this month that cut power and heating to thousands of apartment blocks, particularly in the capital, Kyiv.
New Tactics And Leadership
"There will be a new approach to the use of air defences by the Air Force, concerning mobile fire groups, interceptor drones and other 'short-range' air defence assets," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address, adding: "The system will be transformed." He named Pavlo Yelizarov as deputy Air Force commander to oversee and develop the initiative.
Why Interceptor Drones Matter
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has rapidly expanded domestic drone production. Officials have highlighted interceptor drones as a cost-effective, flexible tool to detect and neutralise incoming threats and to supplement short-range air-defence coverage.
Security Alert And Civil Measures
Zelenskiy warned citizens to remain "extremely vigilant" ahead of what he described as a potential "massive strike," urging regions to be ready to respond quickly and to assist affected people. Ukrainian intelligence has reportedly observed Russian reconnaissance focusing on critical infrastructure, including substations that service nuclear power plants.
The president said he had instructed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to decide this week on measures to address the fallout from recent attacks, including bonuses for tens of thousands of emergency workers who are restoring heating and electricity.
Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Bill Berkrot
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