Ukraine's new Defense Minister, Yevhenii Khmara, has promised allies he will present a clear strategy and military objectives. Kyiv is seeking an early release of part of the planned €45bn ($52bn) loan from the European Union earmarked for 2027.

The goal is to cover a €27bn ($31bn) deficit in the military budget. The funds from the EU are intended to help continue the fight against Russia, now in its fifth year.

Khmara, a former special forces commander, replaced Mykhailo Fedorov in the position. The Ukrainian military is striving to seize the initiative by intensifying drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, but continues to struggle with a shortage of manpower, air defense capabilities and waves of drones attacking Kyiv.

The minister emphasized that Ukraine has already tested four new types of anti-drone missiles, and that protecting soldiers' lives, recruitment efficiency and better front-line management remain key priorities.

(Reuters, max)