Zelenskyy Highlights Defense, Veteran Policy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a series of meetings and addressed veteran policy, air defense and international support in updates published on Aug. 22, 2026, by the presidential administration. He also signed a decree launching preparations for a monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa in Kyiv.

The decree directs the government to organize an open competition and take the necessary steps to implement the monument project. The administration did not provide details on the monument’s planned location, design or timetable.

During the IX International Veterans Forum, Zelenskyy called for a modernized legal framework focused specifically on veterans and their families. He said policy should also fully address the needs of families of fallen service members, prisoners of war and people missing in action.

Zelenskyy separately discussed continued support for Ukraine with Germany’s foreign minister and air-defense assistance with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Ukrainian president said strengthening air defense, including protection against ballistic threats, remains a priority. He also met with Gen. Keith Kellogg to discuss the issue.