Dear Ukrainians,
Today, I received a briefing from Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ihor Obolenskyi, and Pavlo Palisa on yet another active operation of ours – Operation Veles, which Khartiia is carrying out in the Kupiansk sector. A strong operation, in my view, sophisticated and technologically advanced. The Russians tried to use underground gas pipelines to move past our positions. Our warriors turned this tactic against the Russians and used this system of underground pipelines against the occupiers with extraordinary success. This is effectively our third landmark operation this year. The first was an Airborne Assault Forces operation, a very significant one, in which more than 800 square kilometers were liberated. The second was Operation Vivaldi in the Donetsk region – our operation in precisely those areas where the Russians had many ambitions, many plans, and many assaults. Our guys liberated more than 200 kilometers. The third is Operation Veles by Khartiia, which strengthens our positions and shows the Russians that they are failing to achieve the results their political leadership set for them in the Kupiansk area as well. I want to thank all our warriors. It is important to note that this year, Ukraine’s positions on the front remain stronger than they have been in a long time during this war. If our partners’ support for Ukraine remained just as strong – particularly when it comes to our Patriots and other air defense capabilities – Ukraine would be in a completely different position – a much better one diplomatically as well. Unfortunately, there are significant restrictions on supplies, with these air defense packages being delayed. I want to thank all our partners who provide their support on time. But unfortunately, there are also delays. And everyone hears, everyone sees that right now, it is difficult for us to defend against Russian ballistic missiles. And above all, we do not have enough missiles for Patriots. And just now, in October alone – since October 14 – there have already been several Russian ballistic missile attacks. Essentially, in two weeks, more than 100 ballistic missiles have been launched against Kyiv and the Kyiv region. We are doing everything possible to protect our energy sector, to protect our infrastructure and our logistics. The task is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, there have also been casualties. Yesterday, Russian missiles struck the grounds of the Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics – the campus and the nearby park, which is named Kyoto Park after the city of Kyoto, Kyiv’s sister city. Residential buildings, a metro station, and metro lines were damaged. The Russians struck Kyiv’s South Bridge, one of the key logistics arteries – a very important one. And this escalation on their part against our logistics, against life in our cities, has been going on for weeks now. Against Kyiv, against our Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Kharkiv, against Sumy, and against Kherson. It’s important that the world sees this, that our partners see it in the United States, on which almost everything concerning Patriots depends, so that we get answers and the necessary authorizations from the Pentagon for Patriot supplies. Also, regarding our partners in Europe. These days, we are doing our best to secure new support packages. Coordination with our partners is also ongoing to ensure diplomacy and meetings as soon as possible. We expect a trilateral format in November, with Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives. It is important that Europe also take part in all diplomatic moves. Ukraine has always insisted that Europe must be present and must have a say in the decisions. And this, by the way, applies to everyone in Europe. No one should be left out of the process. I want to thank everyone who is active and who helps us. In the coming weeks, we will have new engagements with strong European countries.
And today, I spoke with our partners, the leaders of Norway and Finland, following their conversations with Putin. We will also stay in contact with the American side. We must protect lives. We must bring peace closer. We must shape policy toward Russia in a way that sparks their interest in de-escalation steps. Without pressure, there is no peace. Peace does not come to the powerless. I want to thank everyone who works for Ukraine’s strength and everyone who fights for Ukraine – fights in a way that makes Ukraine’s strength an inspiration to the world.
Glory to Ukraine!