Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia. The strategy focuses on three primary objectives: securing Ukrainian airspace, halting the advance of Russian forces, and undermining Russia’s economic capacity to sustain its military operations.
According to a statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Fedorov emphasized the urgency of these goals, stating, “Every day, every Ukrainian thinks about one question: when will the war end? We desire peace more than anyone else in the world. The President, the negotiation team, and diplomats work tirelessly to bring it closer. However, Russia continues to fight, believing it can break us through force and resources.”
In response to the ongoing conflict, President Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked the Ministry of Defense with strengthening military defenses alongside diplomatic efforts, aiming to compel Russia to negotiate peace. Fedorov elaborated that the plan consists of three specific objectives.
Securing Ukrainian Airspace
Fedorov identified the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure as a top priority. The Ministry aims to achieve real-time identification of 100% of aerial threats and intercept at least 95% of missiles and drones.
“We have initiated the creation of a multi-layered ‘small’ air defense system and the scaling of interceptors. Significant organizational changes are underway. These are the initial steps towards systematic countermeasures against ‘Shahed’ drones and stable protection for cities. When the sky is secured, the country can function effectively,” he stated.
Halting the Russian Army Across All Fronts
The Ministry also aims to “stop the enemy in every domain”—on land, at sea, and in cyberspace. Fedorov asserted that the Ministry has a clear understanding of how to accomplish this.
“There is a specific list of solutions and projects: from improving procurement systems and completing corps reform to transforming training and management systems based on data,” he noted.
Undermining Russia’s Economic Resources for Warfare
Fedorov pointed out that Russia’s primary economic lifeline for sustaining its military efforts against Ukraine is oil trade. Disrupting this channel could significantly reduce resources available for the war.
Key Actions Required:
- Strengthening sanctions;
- Coordinating with international partners;
- Developing strategies to counteract shadow fleets;
- Joint maritime operations with allies.
“Ukraine is already preparing a strategy to make Russia’s budget deficit this year the largest in its history. Similarly, we are formulating a strategy to counter Russia in the cognitive domain. This plan includes specific, measurable objectives and outcomes,” Fedorov added.
Implementation of the Plan
Partnerships. Ukraine is cultivating mutually beneficial collaborations with international partners to secure unprecedented levels of aid necessary for drone procurement, ensuring stable payments for military personnel, and enhancing air defense and other defense sector needs.
Technological Superiority. The goal is to maintain a lead over the enemy by at least ten steps in each technological cycle and to retain leadership in innovation during the conflict.
The Mathematics of War. Through the “eBalans” system, the Ministry of Defense is obtaining high-quality battlefield data. The next step is to transform this data into decisive power.
In January, the Ministry of Defense announced that Kyiv, in collaboration with its partners, has developed a military strategy that necessitates $120 billion by 2026 for its implementation.
On February 3, President Zelensky approved a new structure for Ukraine’s defense plan.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has presented a strategic framework aimed at concluding the war with Russia, emphasizing air defense, halting Russian advances, and crippling Russia's economic resources. The plan outlines specific objectives and actions needed to achieve these goals.