Ever since this February, the Russians have been rejecting all ceasefire proposals. For weeks, Russia has been unable – and unwilling – to give any concrete response to the United States on a leaders’ meeting format. Russia invests in war, and solely in war. The response must be strength.

Today, I held a Staff meeting – focused primarily on technological issues. The stock of air defense systems and missiles for them, the production schedule, the delivery schedule. The protection of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure – above all, the energy sector.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with servicemen, congratulated them on Military Intelligence Day, which had been marked in Ukraine the day before, and presented them with state awards.

The Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen will take place in Kyiv in September. The announcement was made by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska; First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov; and Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, at a joint press conference.

That is why it is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing. And also – our long-range capabilities.

Our active diplomatic week continues – we are working at all levels.

In Mukachevo, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the American enterprise Flextronics, which was struck by a Russian missile on the morning of August 21.