The change of the head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will not lead to a revision of Kyiv's military strategy in the fight against Russia. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview with the DPA agency, emphasizing that the alliance expects full continuity in the defense policy of Ukraine.
Rutte noted that he had developed good working relationships with the resigned Mykhailo Fedorov. Despite Fedorov's departure, the Secretary General expressed confidence that his successor would continue the course laid down by his predecessor. NATO sees no reason to change tactics, given the current dynamics on the front.
Situation on the Front: Slowing Down of the Enemy
According to Rutte's assessment, Ukrainian resistance at the front line has currently become more effective compared to the beginning of the year. The NATO Secretary General noted that the Russian army is advancing extremely slowly, while Ukrainian troops have already been able to conduct successful counterattacks in certain areas.
Rutte paid special attention to Kyiv's asymmetric actions. He emphasized that Ukraine is striking deep into Russian territory, hitting the enemy's energy infrastructure and industrial base, which has a significant impact on Russia's ability to wage war.
The Cost of War for Russia
During the conversation, the NATO Secretary General voiced shocking statistics on the losses of the Russian army. According to him, Russia loses between 25,000 and 35,000 soldiers every month. Rutte called these figures "terrible news" for the families of the killed and wounded.
The Secretary General also made a direct appeal to young Russians considering the possibility of service. "If you are a young Russian considering the possibility of joining the hostilities, you could be one of these approximately 30,000 this or next month," he warned.
Political Context in Kyiv
The decision by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to dismiss Mykhailo Fedorov caused a wide resonance. Officially, two reasons for the personnel changes were cited: a conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and procurement that the Ministry of Defense carried out contrary to the needs of the army.
This decision provoked a wave of outrage in society. On July 16, mass peaceful actions in support of the former minister took place in Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine. Veterans, public activists, and well-known representatives of the Ukrainian show business participated in the rallies. At the moment, Major General Yevhen Khmara, the Acting Head of the SBU, has been appointed Acting Minister of Defense.
