Zelenskyy visits Odesa Oblast, discusses reinforcing air defences with more helicopters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to Odesa Oblast on 4 July to attend a coordination meeting with the Command of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The talks focused on security issues in the country's southern region. The president highlighted the need to counter persistent Russian aerial attacks using Shahed drones and missiles, as well as readiness to respond to threats at sea.

The discussions also covered Ukraine's deep-strike operations, strengthening communication systems, mine countermeasure capabilities, and training and equipping naval infantry. Particular attention was given to increasing the number of helicopters to bolster the region's air defences against drones.

Ukrainian military personnel showcased the Navy's technical strike capabilities: Neptune and Harpoon missile systems, the latest unmanned systems, and torpedoes. Zelenskyy also honoured service members defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Ukrainian Navy, presenting a battle flag and ribbons "For Courage and Bravery" to naval units.