Dear Ukrainians!
It was a hard start to the day after a massive Russian ballistic attack. Thirty-five missiles, most of them ballistic, along with nearly 190 drones of all kinds. The number of jet-powered “shaheds” is growing, and everyone in the world must see that, by prolonging this war, Russia is learning new ways to kill – and certainly won't stop with Ukrainians. Homes were hit. The missiles primarily targeted Kyiv, infrastructure in Kyiv and across the Kyiv region – in Brovary and Vyshneve. Nine people were killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Another 40 people were injured in this strike. The strikes continued throughout the day across the regions. Kherson, the cities and communities of the Dnipro region – Nikopol, Marhanets – our other cities, and Mykolaiv remained under constant FPV drone terror. A drone hit an ordinary apartment building in Odesa. There were also strikes on Zaporizhzhia, on communities across the Donetsk and Sumy regions. Overall, dozens of people were injured. This Russian terror demands a response – a real response from the world. Of course, we see every leader and every country that responds. But the only strong and just response – the one that truly achieves its goal and helps people – is additional support for us here in Ukraine, for our people, for our state. The world has Patriot missiles. What matters now is for our partners to make the political decision – the decision to provide the necessary packages. The United States knows what we need. Europe knows what we need. Anti-ballistic missiles must protect people – not sit in stockpiles. And every day without this relevant vital assistance gives Russia another chance to kill our people.
I just held a meeting on sanctions. And right now, the response must also include additional and real sanctions. Every legal entity, every individual helping enterprises in Russia produce ballistic weapons – launchers and missiles – or supplying components and everything else they need – must all be sanctioned, not only by us, but by our partners as well. There are still gaps in the G7 jurisdictions. Our diplomats need to work on that.
The fuel sector – everything helping Russia restore its oil refining capacity right now – must absolutely be stopped. We'll also be discussing this with Ukraine’s ambassadors. We'll hold a global meeting soon. We need real results in every area: weapons for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia.
I just spoke with Umerov, Budanov, Kyslytsya, and Palisa about our diplomatic tasks with American partners. I expect the coming weeks won't be for nothing. America knows how to be effective.
There were reports today from Drapatyi and Khmara on the frontline, on the use of our forces, and on supplies.
I also just spoke with the President of the UAE. I am grateful for his complete understanding of the situation and his full support for all our efforts to achieve peace and greater security. Ukraine always helps those who help us – help Ukraine. And this year, Ukrainians have made a significant contribution to the security of our partners in the Gulf region. Now, we discussed how the UAE can help us in Europe, particularly in the Black Sea region. This concerns food security and the security of maritime routes. I thank everyone who is helping us! I thank everyone who defends life and saves people.
Glory to Ukraine!