Ukraine’s new military chief pledges to escalate retaliation against Russia

Ukraine's armed forces have a new commander following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi on Wednesday. Drapatyi stated that the military would expand and intensify offensive operations in all domains, including missions behind enemy lines, as Ukraine seeks to maintain pressure on Russian forces. He emphasized that the work ahead would proceed with responsibility and respect for those defending the front lines.

The appointment arrives at a moment when Ukraine reports territorial gains, claiming to have recaptured 700 square kilometers of its territory during the current year. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have simultaneously intensified air strikes against each other's critical infrastructure. Ukrainian strikes this week targeted warehouses in southern Russia belonging to online retailer Wildberries, according to the company's leadership. Zelenskyy characterized these strikes as hitting logistics hubs supporting Russian military operations in the region.

Ukrainian operations also extended to maritime targets in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, where Zelenskyy reported attacks on an oil depot, a tanker, and four vessels from Russia's shadow fleet. Russia's Ministry of Defence countered with claims of its own strikes, stating that Russian forces targeted cargo ships at Ukrainian ports and storage facilities containing military supplies and fuel.

The Kremlin's spokesman expressed skepticism that Drapatyi's appointment would alter the battlefield situation. Meanwhile, both nations have escalated the use of ballistic missiles, with Ukraine facing challenges in interception due to shortages of Patriot air defence systems. Zelenskyy indicated discussions with the US Ambassador to NATO regarding Patriot interceptor production, describing the acquisition of additional interceptors as a critical priority for Ukraine's defence.