In 4 days, Russian terrorists used almost 70 missiles of various types, almost 90 Shaheds, against Ukraine.
In yesterday’s evening address to Ukrainians, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked everyone who is helping our people, our cities to overcome the consequences of Russian strikes. Odesa and the region, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr region, Kharkiv, border regions, Donetsk region…
“I thank all the rescuers, doctors, nurses, volunteers, policemen, local authorities. Thank you to everyone who works for people and Ukraine. Victims of Russian strikes are provided with the necessary assistance. Again and again, I thank the workers of our ports, transport infrastructure in general, who are doing everything to preserve Ukrainian export potential, our exits to the global economy,” the president said.
He said that in just four days of this week, since Monday, Russian terrorists have already used almost 70 rockets of various types, almost 90 “Shakheds” against our state and, to a large extent, against Odesa and Odeschyna, Mykolaiv, and other southern cities and communities.
“Of course, our soldiers managed to shoot down some of the enemy’s missiles and drones, and I thank each of our defenders of the sky for that… But, unfortunately, the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces are not yet enough to protect the entire Ukrainian sky… We are actively working with our partners for additional air defense complexes that can provide peace and security to our Odesa and all other cities and communities of our country,” the president added.
Volodymyr Zelenskyi also thanked several states that strengthened sanctions against Russian entities, various entities that in one way or another help Russia to conduct this inhumane aggression. In particular, hundreds of new sanctions targets have been successfully implemented for the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
In addition, yesterday the National Bank of Ukraine made an important decision regarding a financial institution operating in our country and owned by Russian oligarchs – they are under sanctions in various jurisdictions and NSDC sanctions were applied. And now, according to the president, it will be right for the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to immediately consider the relevant proposals of the National Bank of Ukraine and support them regarding this financial institution. In the interests of investors, for the sake of financial stability and elementary justice.
The head of state also discussed the issue of budget expenditures with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. He emphasized that during such a war, maximum state attention, and therefore state resources, should go to defense, and this is an obvious thing. The Prime Minister and the President discussed two important steps regarding this issue.
“…every project that can be implemented at the expense of extra-budgetary resources must be implemented at the expense of extra-budgetary resources. This applies to various spheres, in particular the field of culture. Museums, cultural centers, symbols, series – all this is important, but now other priorities. Find extra-budgetary funds. Not state. So, I proposed two steps to the Prime Minister. The first is to find extra-budgetary funds for projects that are really needed now. There are people in the world who can help. And the second: I asked the Prime Minister to consider replacing the Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.
Separately, I want to appeal to all representatives of local authorities in our country: people should feel that budget resources are used fairly and correctly. Everyone understands what it is about. Cobblestones, decorating cities, fountains – they will wait. First, victory,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Yesterday, for the first time in the history of relations between our countries, the President of Ukraine spoke with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, in particular, about Russia’s attempt to destroy our grain exports.
“Now in Ethiopia, about 20 million people are on the verge of starvation. One of the most critical situations in the world. Last year, Ukrainian exports saved the lives of at least a million citizens of Ethiopia – that’s how much food was sent to this country, almost 300,000 tons. And if it were not for Russian aggression, it would have been possible to save many more lives – to provide much more security. I am sure that this year we can do it – all together, the whole world. No one in the world is interested in Russia succeeding in destroying the global food market. And, by the way, we have already started preparing for the meeting of the UN Security Council scheduled for tomorrow – precisely regarding this issue, food security. Grateful to everyone in the world who helps!
Glory to our soldiers! Glory to everyone who fights for the freedom and life of people!
Glory to Ukraine!” the president noted.