In his evening address to Ukrainians, Volodymyr Zelenskyi talked about the most important international meetings of the past day.
“Three long days – and our soldiers, our state are getting stronger. I am sure – much stronger. Coming home with new defense packages: more new, more powerful weapons for the front, more protection for our people. More political support. Italy – good talks with Giorgia, Madam Prime Minister. The meeting with the pontiff is quite encouraging. Meeting with the President of Italy.
Germany – Mr. President Steinmeier, the meeting with Mr. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is particularly meaningful for our defense. In addition to Berlin, they also visited Aachen. I was at the military base, inspected the “Leopards”, inspected the “Marders”, thanked our soldiers who are training on German equipment. On behalf and in honor of the Ukrainian people, in Aachen, they received a weighty European award named after Charlemagne. For the first time in the hall where laureates are honored, the Ukrainian language was heard – in a speech. Ukrainian will be one of the official languages of the European Union, I am sure of that,” the Head of State emphasized.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyi met with representatives of France and Great Britain.
“France – a meeting with Mr. President Macron, long, useful negotiations. There is a new military package. powerful There are new political arrangements. Great Britain – meeting with Rishi, Mr. Prime Minister Sunak. Defense and the all-important British leadership in military coalitions. Before the international events planned for the near future, we coordinated our positions: before the G7, the summit in Vilnius.
Our peace formula was discussed at all meetings, and now there is more willingness of partners to follow the Ukrainian formula. There is more support for our accession to the EU, more understanding that Ukraine’s accession to NATO will happen, it is inevitable,” the President emphasized.
He thanked all international partners for their help in the fight against the enemy.
“I thank Italy for its help in protecting the lives of our people – from protecting the sky to preparing for the full reconstruction of Ukraine after hostilities. Thanks to Germany for the largest defense package – 2 billion 700 million euros. Air defense systems “Iris” of various modifications, many missiles for them, guns, shells, armored vehicles. In addition, Germany will support our country in the long term – there are 11 billion euros for this, purely for defense. Plus, Germany participates in the European Peace Fund, which strengthens our defense.
Thanks to France for new opportunities for our soldiers in countering Russian terror, and now is not the time to talk about details. Thank you for additional equipment, for additional armored vehicles. For help in consolidating partners. Thanks to Britain for agreeing to train our pilots. We are creating a coalition to train pilots on modern Western aircraft. Britain – yes, Poland – yes, and I am sure: France and other partners will join. We continue to work on the fighter coalition, we are moving actively. Of course, I thank Britain for long-range capabilities for our soldiers, for long-range.
So, the main results for these days are a new weapon for Ukraine, respect for Ukrainians, we managed to make our victory closer. And we will add support! I know it. I believe in this. Glory to all who are fighting for our country! Kudos to everyone who helps! Kudos to everyone who trains our fighters,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi said.