According to Ukrinform, the president announced the meeting on Facebook.

"I received a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi. Particular focus was on the defense of Kostiantynivka, Slovyansk, and the Donetsk region as a whole. I am grateful to all units that are fully carrying out their combat missions, repelling Russian assaults, eliminating infiltration attempts, and systematically destroying the occupiers. We understand how to reinforce this sector," Zelensky said.

The meeting also addressed personnel matters.

Read also:Defense Forces strike Russian radar station and UAV repeaters in Crimea

"The Commander-in-Chief and I also discussed personnel issues in the Armed Forces of Ukraine that need to be resolved," the president said.

Another key topic was protection against ballistic missile attacks.

"Mykhailo also reported on his work related to anti-ballistic capabilities – his communication with the American side. We are working at every level to secure packages of air defense missiles. All our partners know what is needed and how this affects not only the saving of lives and the protection of our cities, but also Russia’s attitude toward diplomacy. The more Putin believes in his bet on ballistic missiles, the more reticent he will be to respond positively to diplomatic proposals. Therefore, strengthening Ukraine’s defense is a direct investment in diplomacy," Zelensky stressed.

He also noted that the meeting covered long-range sanctions against Russia over its war against Ukraine.

"Good results have been achieved at the Yaroslavl oil refinery. We are continuing the relevant operations," the president said.

As reported earlier, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully repelled 15 Russian assault attempts yesterday on the Sloviansk axis near the settlements of Zakitne, Kryva Luka, Riznykivka, and in the directions of Mykolaivka and Rai-Oleksandrivka.

On the Kostiantynivka axis, Ukrainian forces repelled 15 enemy assaults in the areas of Kostiantynivka, Illinivka, Rusyn Yar, and toward Dovha Balka and Stepanivka.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine (archive)