Yulia Svyrydenko: Expanding the role of communities in the air defense system

The Government has approved amendments to the pilot project on the creation of air defense groups within volunteer formations of territorial communities, which has been in operation since June 2025. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

In particular, the changes are aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the system:

• local self-government bodies are joining the project and will be able to directly finance air defense groups within volunteer territorial community formations;
• communities will be able to allocate funds for remuneration payments, procurement of technical equipment, fuel, unmanned systems and other resources needed for the operation of air defense groups;
• a mechanism for additional remuneration for members of air defense groups is being introduced, with payments made for confirmed hits on or destruction of aerial targets.

The adopted amendments are expected to enable communities to respond more quickly to aerial threats and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure locally without placing additional strain on combat units.

“The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responsible for coordination and operational command of the air defense groups. Members of the groups carry out tasks in accordance with the statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the Prime Minister noted.