In his first public discussion after taking command, Drapatyi sketched operational priorities and urgent needs. The talk highlighted air defense and long-range strike requirements.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapaty, for the first time since his appointment spoke with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO and the Commander of the United States Army in Europe, General Alexus Grinkevych. He announced this on July 29.
Drapaty noted that during the conversation he outlined Ukraine’s vision of victory and the possibilities that will help it achieve it.
At this stage of the war, we must strengthen operations across different domains, prevent the enemy’s infiltration into our defense lines, and scale up long-range and medium-range fire against the enemy. He emphasized the need for further development of army corps and increasing their autonomy
– Mykhailo Drapaty
Key takeaways from the meeting and prospects
Also, according to him, the Ukrainian command is working to increase the lethality of Russian losses and reduce its economic capabilities. To this end, they are applying asymmetric approaches and Ukrainian technologies.
Drapaty thanked Grinkevych for his personal efforts to provide Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities, as well as the U.S. authorities for military aid to Ukraine under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. It envisages the purchase of American military equipment, including Patriot missiles, for Ukraine at the expense of European countries.
Alexus Grinkevych did not publicly comment on the talks.
Mykhailo Drapaty became the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on July 22, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The meeting underscored the importance of continued coordination with allies and ongoing cooperation.