“The direction of small anti-aircraft defense, which is being formed under the leadership of the deputy commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Pavel Yelizarov, was headed by Colonel Yevhenii Khlebnikov.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Mykhailo Fedorov. photo of MOU Source: Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov Telegram
Direct speech: “Russia attacks Ukrainian cities every day with hundreds of drones. More than 6,000 drones in the last month alone. Hitting residential buildings, critical infrastructure, trains – the terror of peaceful Ukrainians does not stop. The enemy is constantly improving the modification of drones and attack tactics to achieve their goals. Every day a new risk appears. For example, like UAVs from Starlink.
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Reactively responding to all new challenges, we must build a system to analyze, counter and predict future threats. This requires an effective system of “small” air defense and interceptors. At the president’s request, we are changing the approach to protecting the sky to increase the effectiveness of countering enemy attacks.”
Details: Fedorov reminded that Pavel Yelizarov (call sign Lazar) was recently appointed as the deputy commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Under his leadership, the “small” air defense command is formed – this direction was headed by Colonel Yevhenii Khlebnikov.
According to the minister, his key task is to build a system that can quickly counter challenges to protect the sky.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Yevhenii Khlebnikov is an officer with combat and management experience. He served in units of anti-aircraft missile troops of the Air Force, worked at the General Staff in the direction of air defense development.
From the first days of the full-scale war, he managed the use of Bayraktar UAVs during the defense of Kyiv and Chernihiv Oblast, participated in the planning of the operation to liberate Zmiiny Island. In 2014–2015, he participated in the battles for the Donetsk airport.
Fedorov’s direct speech: “In the near future, we will strengthen management in each region and continue to form a strong team for the development of “small” air defense.
These are the first decisions of the renewed team of the Ministry of Defense to build an effective system of defense of the Ukrainian sky. But there are still many steps ahead to achieve the result and increase the effectiveness of the interception.”