Ukraine to allow key firms to own air defence

The Ukrainian government has allowed energy, communications and transport companies to purchase and use air defenses to better counter intense Russian attacks.

According to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, these groups will operate solely on military instructions and members will be vetted by the security service.

The aim is to increase the protection of key infrastructure, which is increasingly the target of airstrikes. The new approach is intended to significantly strengthen civilian air defences and ensure that strategically important facilities - particularly in the energy and transport sectors - are more effectively protected.

Russian attacks in recent weeks have focused mainly on urban infrastructure and its essential services.

(reuters, mja)