President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, where the situation at the front and efforts to counter Russian strikes on port infrastructure and the maritime corridor were discussed.
For the first time in this Staff format, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi reported on the situation at the front: the key sectors, with particular attention to Slovyansk and Kostiantynivka, as well as the Zaporizhzhia direction.
“I am grateful to all our units for eliminating Russian occupiers and repelling assaults. The situation at the front is tough, and we will look for opportunities to expand all programs supporting Ukrainian units,” the Head of State emphasized.
The participants discussed the implementation of the long-range sanctions plan against Russia for its war. Implementation has been sufficiently steady – the objectives are being achieved.
Particular attention was paid to logistical challenges, Russian strikes on Odesa and the region, and attacks on port infrastructure and the maritime corridor. The President heard reports from the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Oleksiy Neizhpapa; the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko; and the Prime Minister, Sergii Koretskyi.
The Prime Minister reported on work with partners in our region that can expand cross-border cooperation with Ukraine.
“I am grateful to our neighboring countries for their readiness to provide real assistance. Next week, I expect to receive from the Government a clear list of measures to ensure the diversification of export routes,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that effective cooperation on grain exports and ensuring normal logistics contributes to global food security and helps prevent the spread of a cost-of-living crisis in countries and regions bordering Europe, particularly in the Middle East and countries in North Africa.
“Any social instability there caused by a possible rise in food prices and the overall cost of living would mean new tangible risks for Europe. Every such crisis in regions neighboring Europe triggers additional waves of migration,” the Head of State said.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, genuinely guaranteeing food security and protecting against Russian terror targeting the agricultural sector and maritime trade routes is in the direct interest of everyone in Europe.
The President also heard intelligence reports on Russia’s intentions regarding further strikes against Ukraine and our vessels.
“We are preparing countermeasures. Today, we updated the list of requests from Ukraine’s Defense Forces for the supplies they need from our partners. I will speak with leaders about this,” the Head of State said.