Ukraine’s Acting Minister of Defense, Yevhenii Khmara, has given his first major interview since assuming office, outlining his vision for the future of Ukraine’s defense strategy. He emphasized that Ukraine cannot rely on a war of attrition against a numerically superior enemy and must instead maintain its advantage through technology, innovation, and efficient use of resources.
The interview, conducted by American journalist Laura Loomer, marked Khmara’s first public media appearance since his appointment.
An Asymmetric Approach to Warfare
According to Khmara, Ukraine’s greatest strength lies not in the size of its military but in its ability to adapt quickly to changing battlefield conditions.
He stressed that the Armed Forces must continue investing in capabilities that inflict maximum damage on the enemy while minimizing Ukraine’s own losses and resource expenditures.
Among the priorities he highlighted were precision-guided weapons, unmanned systems, advanced command-and-control technologies, and strikes against key Russian logistics and military infrastructure.
Expanding Defense Cooperation with the United States
A significant portion of the interview focused on Ukraine’s long-term defense partnership with the United States.
Khmara said Ukraine is interested in expanding joint defense projects, localizing the production of advanced military equipment, and strengthening technological cooperation between the two countries.
He also identified modern air defense systems as one of the most promising areas for future cooperation, emphasizing their importance in protecting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
The Future of Warfare Is Already Here
Khmara noted that modern warfare is evolving rapidly, with drones, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, rapid decision-making, and efficient logistics becoming increasingly decisive factors on the battlefield.
He believes these capabilities will shape the effectiveness of Ukraine’s Armed Forces for years to come.
A Strategy of Modernization
The Acting Defense Minister said Ukraine remains committed to modernizing its military, expanding the use of cutting-edge technologies, and deepening international defense cooperation.
According to Khmara, the country's military advantage should be built on innovation, technological superiority, and strong partnerships with allies rather than on numerical superiority alone. These efforts, he said, will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and improve the effectiveness of its Armed Forces in the ongoing war.
