Yevhenii Khmara, Ukraine's new acting defence minister, says Kyiv cannot respond to Russia "punch for punch" and must adopt asymmetric tactics while carefully managing resources and logistics. He highlighted targeted medium- and long-range strikes on infrastructure—especially oil facilities—to impose costs on Russia and contribute to fuel shortages in Russian regions. Khmara also emphasized the need for a lasting U.S.-Ukraine strategic partnership and the ability to produce Patriot interceptor missiles domestically.
Ukraine's Acting Defence Minister: "We Can't Go Punch For Punch" — Calls For Asymmetric Strategy And Patriot Production
Yevhenii Khmara, acting head of the State Security Service of Ukraine, looks on during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who appointed him as Acting Defence Minister, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 16, 2026. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS
Kyiv, July 29 (Reuters) — Ukraine's new acting defence minister, Yevhenii Khmara, said in an interview published on Wednesday that Kyiv cannot match Russia "punch for punch" on the battlefield and must conserve resources while pursuing an asymmetric strategy to maximize effectiveness.
First Interview Since Appointment
Khmara spoke with U.S. blogger Laura Loomer in Kyiv in his first public interview since being named acting defence minister last week. He assumed the role after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy removed 35-year-old tech specialist Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister following reported clashes with Ukraine's top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was also dismissed.
Clear Tactical Vision
The former head of Ukraine's SBU security service told Loomer he has "a real picture in my head of what is being used, what can be used against the enemy, and what can be most effective moving forward." He emphasized that logistics and careful resource management are central to battlefield planning, particularly ensuring front-line units have the equipment they need when they need it.
"We can't go punch for punch. We have to be asymmetric," Khmara said when asked about recent strikes on Russian infrastructure.
Strikes, Costs And Objectives
Khmara said Ukraine's medium- and long-range strikes—targeting oil-industry installations and other infrastructure—are intended to impose costs on Russia that exceed the benefits Moscow gains from operations. Those strikes have contributed to fuel shortages in some Russian regions. Despite Russian claims of territory gains along the roughly 1,200 km front, Khmara said Ukrainian forces have helped slow Russian advances.
U.S. Ties And Missile Production
Khmara expressed hope that Ukraine's relationship with the United States will evolve into a lasting strategic partnership, with Kyiv offering practical experience in modern warfare. He stressed the importance of Ukraine's capacity to produce Patriot interceptor missiles to defend against Russian air attacks. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would grant Ukraine a licence to manufacture Patriot interceptors; President Zelenskiy discussed reviving peace talks with Russia and plans for interceptor production during his recent Washington visit.
Reporting: Ron Popeski. Editing: Jekaterīna Golubkova and Christian Schmollinger.
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