Dear Ukrainians!
Today has been a busy day of diplomatic work. I have just spoken with Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Earlier today, I also held conversations with the Prime Minister of Norway and the Chancellor of Austria. I want to express my gratitude for the support. What is happening in the negotiations with the United States and with Russia is a matter of very genuine interest. Our teams are working intensively – just today, we’ve been working with government officials and the Office of the President team on the reconstruction document. I hope our partners are approaching the tasks with the same determination. Clear security guarantees for Ukraine and all of Europe, fully defined commitments and opportunities for Ukraine’s reconstruction, and, of course, real prospects to bring this war to a dignified conclusion. Right now, there can be no doubt anywhere in the world about what this war is, who started it, or why the war continues. Everyone understands that this is Russia’s war. And the responsibility to end the war also lies with Russia. And Russia must face the pressure.
We are now getting good signals from Europe about Europeans’ readiness to step up pressure on the aggressor. It is crucial that this pressure targets, in particular, Russia’s tanker fleet, the entire infrastructure of Russian oil exports. This will greatly help all of us in Europe if Russian revenues are cut even deeper. We already see the aggressor’s colossal new problems with the federal budget, as well as inflation and economic indicators. These are all good and right signals that peace can, at last, be achieved. The more difficult it is for Russia, the closer peace becomes.
I discussed with the UK Prime Minister these strikes in particular and the need to protect our state and our people.
Today in Odesa, rescue operations and rubble clearing have been ongoing throughout the day, following a Russian strike. Fifty-two attack drones targeted the city specifically; many aimed at the city center and the area around Pryvoz. There have never been, nor are there now, any military targets whatsoever. And essentially, all the targets of Russia’s “shaheds” are just regular houses and basic civilian infrastructure. It was a severe attack. Most drones were intercepted, but unfortunately, not all. Three people were killed – my condolences to their families and loved ones. Nearly 50 others sought assistance. And this was just one strike on one city.
The day before, there was another Russian attack on Kharkiv’s energy infrastructure. A strike carried out with an MLRS – a multiple-launch rocket system. The damage was significant. Recovery will be swift – as much as circumstances allow. I want to commend our State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Ukrenergo, Kharkivoblenergo – all the specialists working to stabilize this situation. Everyone contributing to Ukraine’s resilience right now is working to ensure that life itself prevails.
I also want to thank everyone working in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, in Zaporizhzhia, the Dnipro, Sumy, Chernihiv regions, and across all regions and communities affected by attacks.
There was also a Russian strike on gas infrastructure in the western part of our country. But everywhere, we provide help. Everywhere, efforts are underway for life and for the people. I thank everyone who supports those around you. I thank all those fighting for Ukraine as if they were fighting for themselves.
Glory to Ukraine!