Dear Ukrainians!
First and foremost, we are grateful to our infantry, to everyone holding the positions. And wherever the Ukrainian infantry stands, there stand our positions. Much is said about the transformation of warfare, and it is true – most tasks are carried out by drones and people operating drones, but the state’s positions are where the infantry stands. Respect to every member of the Ukrainian infantry for their courage. Right now, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and the military command are working to strengthen our infantry – new contracts, new financial resources, and new opportunities specifically for those on the contact line, carrying out combat tasks. I want to thank all Ukrainian infantry personnel – on Infantry Day and always.
Second, today, a meeting was held on certain special post-war opportunities for our warriors. The whole world sees that the Ukrainian warrior is truly strong and truly experienced. Our security export – after this war and for veterans – must become a real business opportunity. This is right and just: so that our state can continue to be a global actor, and so that Ukrainian warriors can benefit from the unprecedented experience gained in our defense. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the intelligence services, relevant government officials, and the Office team are preparing the legislative framework for what is known in the world as “military companies.” I have instructed that the most optimal format for Ukraine be developed, and that this year, the law be adopted. Leading global states engage their citizens to work in so-called private military companies and in certain other organizational forms. It is important to provide our state response to this niche, this opportunity, and this demand in the field of security exports.
Also, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, reported today on the preparation of amendments to the bill regulating civilian firearms circulation. Many people are already involved in this work – not only the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but also members of parliament, the military, law enforcement officers, representatives from civil society and the business community. I thank you all for your commitment. Ukraine needs a modern and strong law on civilian firearms that will also protect citizens without weapons and truly regulate the situation for those who possess them.
Hungary took an important step today – Ukraine has received back in full its funds and assets – banking gold – which were practically stolen during Orbán’s tenure. This is a truly fair decision by Hungary to return the funds of Oschadbank. We value that, guided by its new leadership, Hungary is taking such steps toward good‑neighborly relations. We in Ukraine are ready to move forward accordingly.
We discussed today with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko, and the Head of the Office, Kyrylo Budanov, the decisions that must be implemented in domestic policy – in particular, personnel decisions in the Government and in state-owned companies. In the near future, there will be changes at the level of deputy ministers – relevant proposals are currently being prepared. There are open ministerial positions that need to be filled. There is also ongoing public discussion about replacing some ministers and, urgently, about personnel changes in state-owned companies. I instructed the Government to accelerate changes in Energoatom – the company needs a new professional leadership. There has already been a discussion about replacing the head of such a specific company as Forests of Ukraine – there must be greater transparency in the company and higher revenues for the state budget. More prompt decisions are also needed in the banking sector. The state controls too large a share of the country’s banking system; there is clearly room to expand opportunities for business, especially since this has already been defined, and government decisions have been adopted. In particular, Sense Bank, which was transferred from Russian owners under sanctions to the state, as well as Ukrgasbank, which was designated by the Government for privatization. Ideally, this should be done this year. Ukraine needs more active economic processes.
And one more point – the most important for today.
I want to thank every state and want to thank every leader who supported Ukraine and our state’s proposal – the one we made to Russia – for a full ceasefire. Based on today’s developments, we see that Russia responded to our ceasefire proposal only with new strikes and new attacks. Throughout the entire day, almost every hour, reports of strikes have been coming in from different regions of Ukraine: Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Dnipro regions, Sumy and Sumy region, Chernihiv region, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Russia has not halted any form of its military activity. Unfortunately, it has not. Ukraine will act in kind. Depending on the situation overnight and tomorrow, we will also determine our fully justified responses. Russia has received from us a clear proposal on silence of the guns and diplomacy – and knows how to contact Ukraine or our partners in order to coordinate the details. If the one person in Moscow who cannot live without war cares only about one parade and nothing else, that’s a different story. Ukraine is ready to work for peace. Ukraine seeks to end this war with dignity. Russia has fought to the point where even its main parade now depends on us. And this is a clear signal: Enough is enough. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!