Ukraine's president outlined pay increases for troops and strengthened air defenses for Dnipro and Odesa following a massive Russian drone attack.
9:29 AM
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a comprehensive military reform program and reinforcements to air defense systems following a significant Russian drone assault on Thursday.
Zelensky said the army reform will launch in June, with initial results expected the same month. Key areas of the reform were agreed upon in April between military command and the government, with all remaining details to be finalized in May. The president stated that financial support for soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and commanders of the Defense Forces will be a primary focus of the initial phase.
The reform prioritizes increased military pay based on fairness principles. Zelensky specified that combat duties on front lines, actual combat experience, leadership experience, and a servicemember's effectiveness should determine higher compensation levels.
On Thursday, Russia launched a massive drone attack involving more than 400 unmanned aircraft since morning, according to Zelensky's evening video address. More than 200 of the drones were Shahed-type weapons. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 388 drones, achieving a high interception rate despite the density of the assault. However, some drones struck their targets, affecting Ternopil, Zhytomyr, the Rivne region, Trostianets in the Vinnytsia region, and other communities.
In response to the attack, Zelensky announced that decisions have already been made to strengthen air defense in Dnipro and Odesa. The military command and Ministry of Defense analyze each attack and propose solutions to improve defenses. For Dnipro specifically, additional radars and electronic warfare systems will be deployed. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is reinforcing all areas of defense and intensifying work with international partners on air defense capabilities.
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