Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday outlined major changes to the country’s air defense strategy, warned of a potential large-scale Russian attack in the coming days, and detailed ongoing efforts to restore energy infrastructure damaged by continued strikes.
“I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!” Zelenskyy said at the start of his daily address, before turning to what he described as urgent military and security developments.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s Air Force will adopt a new approach to short-range air defense, focusing on mobile fire groups, interceptor drones, and other systems designed to counter drones and missiles more effectively. As part of that shift, he approved the appointment of Pavlo Yelizarov as the new Deputy Commander of the Air Force.
In the coming days, we must remain extremely vigilant—Russia has prepared for a massive strike and is waiting for the moment to carry it out. Please pay close attention to air raid alerts. Every region must be ready to respond quickly and support our people. pic.twitter.com/eC5mH7QmMc
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 19, 2026
“There will be a new approach to the use of air defense by the Air Force, specifically regarding mobile fire groups, interceptor drones, and other means of short-range air defense. This system will be transformed,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that Yelizarov is known in the military as “Lazar,” referring to the special unit he has led, and said that together with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and senior commanders, Yelizarov will help design a new organizational structure for this segment of Ukraine’s air defenses.
Energy infrastructure remains under sustained pressure, Zelenskyy said, following a detailed coordination call on recovery efforts after Russian strikes. He described conditions as “extremely difficult” in border and frontline regions, naming Kharkiv and the surrounding region, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Chernihiv, and Sumy as among the hardest hit.
“Work continues in Odesa – there are tasks to be done,” he said, adding that Kyiv and the surrounding region are currently facing the most severe situation. Additional repair crews have been deployed to the capital, including teams from Ukrzaliznytsia and other state-owned companies.
Zelenskyy said he and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko agreed that the government must adopt new measures this week to support energy workers responding to the crisis. These include additional monthly payments for those working directly at strike sites and in emergency repair crews.
“There must be additional monthly payments, in light of this emergency situation – for each month – for those of our people who work directly on the ground after the strikes,” he said. “The state must be grateful to everyone who ensures that Ukraine restores what the Russians destroy.”
The president also issued a stark warning about near-term security risks, saying Russian forces are preparing a major attack.
“In the coming days, we must remain extremely vigilant. Russia has prepared for a strike – a massive strike – and is waiting for the moment to carry it out,” Zelenskyy said, urging Ukrainians to heed air raid alerts and for regional authorities to be ready to respond quickly.
Zelenskyy said he received briefings from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on both frontline combat operations and counterintelligence efforts. Major General Yevhenii Khmara reported on personnel restructuring, while Major General Oleksandr Poklad briefed him on efforts to counter Russian subversive activity inside Ukraine.
“The Russians are constantly trying to influence Ukraine from within – in particular through attacks on well-known Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said.
He highlighted a recent SBU success, saying Ukrainian forces captured a Russian serviceman responsible for killing Ukrainian prisoners of war in October last year in Russia’s Kursk region.
“Nine of our warriors were killed. May their memory be eternal!” Zelenskyy said. “We will find every Russian murderer. Every single one will be held accountable.”
Zelenskyy said he instructed Poklad to release all necessary details to the public and added that SBU chief Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk reported plans for “active asymmetric operations against Russia,” noting that resources for such actions are in place.
The president also referenced diplomatic efforts, saying Ukraine’s delegation recently met with envoys of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“It is important that Ukraine is constructive. It is important that Ukraine is genuinely working toward a diplomatic solution. It is important that support for Ukraine must be sufficient,” Zelenskyy said. “We are doing everything for this.”
He closed his address with a familiar refrain: “Glory to Ukraine!”
