In an address to the Ukrainian people, Volodymyr Zelenskyi talked about the consequences of Russian missile attacks.
“First of all, I would like to thank our Air Force and all the defenders of the sky for repelling another night raid by Russian drones. I thank our soldiers again and again for every downed Shahed, for every downed Russian missile. Because it is always saved people’s lives, always saved infrastructure.
The second – unfortunately, there were hits, unfortunately, there were falling debris with corresponding consequences, unfortunately, there were losses… My condolences! It is very, very important to be aware of air anxiety and not to take it lightly. And I want to be heard now by all representatives of local authorities who are responsible for specific communities, for a specific territory. Shelters in cities should be available. People need to understand when and how the number and availability of shelters will increase. This is the responsibility of specific officials, and specific responsibility,” the Head of State said.
He also outlined the directions of Ukraine’s future cooperation with international partners.
“Thirdly, we continue the consolidation of partners in order to make the Ukrainian air defense system as effective as possible. Russian terror must be defeated every day and every night, in every region of our country, in the sky of every Ukrainian town and village. When any attack by Russian terrorists will end in failure for the terrorists, their defeat will become the source of our security – long-term.
I spoke today with German Chancellor Scholz, in particular about air defense. He thanked for the air defense systems already provided to Ukraine, that is, for the lives of our people already saved by Germany. They also discussed the defense situation in general, our security cooperation. Before the important international events that will take place very soon, we are coming to joint positions and joint decisions. And I thank Olaf, Mr. Chancellor, for his personal determination, which in many ways becomes the determination of the whole of Europe.
Fourthly, I spoke with representatives of the powerful British defense company BAE Systems. This is a truly large-scale manufacturer of weapons – weapons that we need now and will need in the future to guarantee the security of our state and the entire region. We are working on creating a suitable base for production and repair in Ukraine. We are talking about a wide range of weapons: from tanks to artillery. We will provide Ukraine, and thus all of Europe, with such a new foundation of strength.
Fifth, today I met with the delegation of one of the world’s leading think tanks, the American Atlantic Council. A good, useful conversation to defend our shared values, everyone in the world who values freedom. Briefed the Atlantic Council representatives on our basic defense needs as of now, at this time in the confrontation. We discussed the steps towards the creation of a new aviation coalition. We are steadily getting closer to this result – to our soldiers receiving modern fighters. And I thank all the people of the United States, everyone and everyone in the political community who supports us, thank you personally to President Biden and to both parties of Congress.
Now, precisely in Ukraine, on our land, in our sky, it is being decided whether freedom and civilization will preserve global leadership in this century. It is decided by us, together with America, together with Europe, together with all our allies and partners. Thank you to everyone in the world who is helping,” the President emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all the soldiers who are reclaiming our state.
“And, of course, today, as always, I thank our soldiers. To everyone who is currently fighting for Ukraine. To everyone who is on combat missions. At combat posts. Avdiivsky direction, Bakhmut, Maryinka, Shakhtarsky direction. Thank you to everyone who defends our positions in Luhansk region and Kharkiv region. Thank you to everyone who protects Zaporizhzhia, Kherson Oblast. Thank you to everyone who keeps our border strong.
Our fighting brigades. Our teams, which are ready to go forward. And our intelligence. Our security forces. In all directions and at all levels, the enemy must feel that Ukraine has become stronger,” the Head of State emphasized.