I wish you good health!
Today has been packed with international work. Rustem Umerov has already delivered a briefing following this week’s meetings with envoys of President Trump. We discussed the main outcomes of the Geneva meetings – mostly on economic matters and reconstruction. And we are continuing preparations for the trilateral format, whenever that may take place.
Right now, we see that events in the Middle East and the Gulf region are unfolding extremely rapidly. Unfortunately, Ukraine knows all too well what this is about. Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with “shahed” drones, and not only the drones themselves, but also the technologies. Iran also provided other weapons to Russia. Over the course of this full-scale war, the Russians have used more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine – against our people, against our cities, and against our energy infrastructure. Other nations have also suffered from this terror. Therefore, it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime – to rid themselves of it and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran.
Our position – it’s well-known, and Ukraine has stated it repeatedly, including recently. It is important to preserve as many lives as possible. It is important to prevent the war from expanding. It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians. People cannot know the day or the hour, yet every act of evil, terror, and aggression against neighbors ultimately meets a just response. We expect that, in the end, the Middle East region will become safer and more stable. Much has already changed toward that goal. Ukraine is ready to help every nation so that security and justice increase, and terrorist regimes decrease.
Depending on the security situation and real diplomatic possibilities, the time and place of the next meeting of our team and the U.S. team – the meeting with the Russians – will be determined. Russia must end its aggression against us – against Ukraine and against all of Europe. And security must be guaranteed. I have issued updated directives to our negotiating team and the broader Ukrainian diplomatic team. Peace is needed – true peace – and a real possibility for people to live freely and to live safely.
Also today, an important meeting was held here in Kyiv with representatives from the Netherlands – a state that is one of the leaders in supporting Ukraine and our defense. I want to express my gratitude that members of the new Dutch government – the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs – came almost immediately to visit us here in Ukraine. And that speaks volumes. I am thankful for it. I briefed them on the security situation and on what our intelligence expects from Russia in the near future. Of course, we also discussed the prospects for negotiations. I am grateful for the Netherlands’ readiness to continue supporting our state and our people. Our priority remains air defense. The Netherlands contributes significantly both through the PURL initiative and on a bilateral basis. We will continue this cooperation. At all levels with the Netherlands, with all our partners in Europe, and with all partners in the free world, we will continue building relationships that enhance protection for life.
I thank everyone who is helping us!
Glory to Ukraine!