The head of state informed about the meeting of the Stavka, thanked Denmark for the new defense package for Ukraine, as well as everyone who took part in the liberation of Zmiynyi from the Russian occupiers.
I wish you good health, dear Ukrainians!
Held a meeting of the Stavka today – a long and very detailed one on several issues. Commanders reported to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, both about the general defense situation and about specific directions of our defense and our offensive actions.
During this day, we also have progress in all directions of our active actions.
We considered the supply of ammunition for artillery – for the East, for the South – at Stavka. And although our work with partners for the sake of shells for Ukrainian soldiers is already at its maximum, we will make it even more active. Strengthening our artillery is an obvious priority, and all internationals received additional tasks today.
The situation in the north, in particular on the territory of Belarus, was considered separately. There were reports of our intelligence: GUR, foreign intelligence, intelligence of border guards. Report of the head of the SBU. We very carefully analyze every fact and any prospects in all directions.
By the decision of the Stavka, Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny and General Naev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines.
Thank you today to Denmark and personally to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen for the new defense package for Ukraine: shells for artillery, missiles for air defense, equipment for demining… Thank you!
I also held several meaningful preparatory meetings today – both regarding the internal context in our state, relevant internal events, and international events. An extremely important period of foreign policy begins. It is working to expand peace through expanding our security capabilities, our alliances and cooperation. The following weeks will be extremely active, and the positions of our state are clearly defined, all our officials know what to do.
And one more.
Today is the first anniversary of the liberation of Zmiyny from the Russian occupiers. This is one of our most important victories. Do you remember? Last spring, no one expected from Ukraine that we would be able to implement, in particular, this fundamental defense task: to provide security to the Serpent, and therefore to a significant part of the Black Sea water area. But our soldiers did it. Russian terrorists needed Zmeiny to destroy the entire South of our country, our beautiful Odessa and other cities. Our soldiers stopped them and drove them out of Zmiyny.
Ukraine and Ukrainians are much stronger than anyone thinks about us. Sometimes stronger than we used to think about ourselves. Thanks to everything that our people manage to do in the face of Russian terrorists, we are opening up to the whole world and to ourselves a new Ukrainian force – a real Ukrainian force. A force that we will never lose and that will always be a pillar of the security of the free world.
I am grateful to everyone who freed Zmiiny! GUR, together with other components of the Defense and Security Forces of our country, conducted this operation. The Main Directorate of Intelligence and the “Alpha” special unit of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Naval Forces and the army aviation of the Ground Forces Command, the aviation of the Air Force and our strong border guards. Thank you!
And we will always remember our heroes, our soldiers, who gave their lives for the sake of this Ukrainian victory. Among those whose names can now be mentioned… GUR fighters: Ruslan Popov, Hero of Ukraine, captain of the 1st rank; Oleg Zaitsev, Hero of Ukraine, junior lieutenant; Vitaly Ignatenko, Hero of Ukraine, soldier. “Alpha” fighters of the SBU: Volodymyr Kiselyov, Hero of Ukraine, captain; Oleksandr Krykunenko, Hero of Ukraine, major. Soldiers of the Naval Forces: Ihor Bedzai, Hero of Ukraine, colonel; Mykhailo Zaremba, major; Serhiy Mushchytskyi, captain; Yuriy Pirog, staff sergeant. Eternal memory!
Eternal memory and glory to all those who gave their lives so that our beautiful Ukraine would live!
Glory to Ukraine!