New military aid packages coming to Ukraine from allies are gradually narrowing the gap between the capabilities of Ukrainian and Russian forces, but more air defense systems and various long-range weapons are needed, said First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

In an exclusive commentary to Interfax-Ukraine, Havryliuk noted that the military assistance coming from the United States is already strengthening the power of units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. He emphasized that more new batches of weapons and equipment mean more opportunities to quickly reduce the "offensive impulse" of the Russian army.

"Despite the powerful pressure of the Russians, the introduction of new reserves, superiority in artillery, equipment, soldiers, dominance in the sky, the Defense Forces manage to contain the aggressor and inflict significant losses on the enemy in manpower and equipment. New military aid packages from the allies are gradually narrowing the gap between the capabilities of Ukrainian and Russian forces," Lieutenant General said.

He recalled that during the 23rd meeting in the Ramstein format, agreements were reached to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems and missiles for them.

"Strengthening Ukraine's air defense is a top priority. Thanks to Germany and Italy, who are already transferring new systems to us," Havryliuk added.

According to him, it is very important that the allies quickly respond to the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The speed of decision-making during war is the most important factor; any delay is an increase in the cost of war, the First Deputy Minister of Defense emphasized.

The lieutenant general pointed out that the most effective solution from a military point of view in the fight against massive enemy attacks is to destroy carriers of missiles and bombs, that is, enemy aircraft at their bases, at their airfields, destroy launchers, arsenals with bombs, missiles and bases of logistics support for the Russian Army, where they form strike groups, refuel, and replenish ammunition.

"For the widespread implementation of such combat tactics, we need more different long-range weapons. More high-precision and long-range weapons in the arsenal of the Defense Forces will help compensate for the Russian quantitative advantage in artillery, armored vehicles, and manpower," Havryliuk believes.