I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today is the day when each of us can rightfully say: we made it through this winter, the most difficult in all the years of the war. The Russians wanted to turn this winter into the destruction of Ukraine and Ukrainians. But Ukraine did not break. We preserved our energy system. This winter, Ukraine repelled a large number of massive attacks, each involving dozens of missiles and hundreds of “shaheds.”
The Russians began this winter with a massive strike on December 6, which became one of the largest – more than 700 different targets were involved, including more than 50 missiles alone. There were many ballistic missiles this winter. In total, more than 700 missiles of various types were used. No nation has gone through such trials. Ukrainians overcame this as well. I am grateful to everyone who protects and restores our energy sector: all employees of energy companies, every repair and emergency crew, the entire staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine – you are truly heroes.
Of course, I want to thank every Ukrainian warrior: all those defending our sky, every air defense crew, Ukrainian aviation, mobile fire groups, all developers, manufacturers, and operators of interceptors – thank you!
I thank the municipal services and the local and regional authorities who truly stood with people this winter – with their cities and villages. Everyone in Ukraine saw who was truly capable of what in governing cities and communities.
I especially want to recognize Ukrainian entrepreneurs, every business in Ukraine – both small and large – that managed to adapt in these conditions, preserved jobs, made it through this winter, and continues working in Ukraine. It is extremely important that we remain resilient going forward.
We know that the Russians are not going to cease their strikes. This is a fact. They are preparing new attacks. Against infrastructure. Intelligence provides the relevant information. Therefore, everyone whose job and service is to protect Ukraine from strikes must be just as focused this spring as in winter. Every threat must be countered, and as many Russian targets as possible must be shot down. The situation in the Middle East shows how difficult it is to provide one hundred percent protection against missiles and “shahed” drones. Even in the Gulf countries, which have more advanced air defense systems than those provided to us so far by our partners – and in greater numbers – not all ballistic missiles are intercepted. There are also “shaheds” that air defense in the region has not stopped. Everyone can now see that our experience in defense is, in many respects, irreplaceable. We are ready to share this experience and help those nations that helped Ukraine this winter and throughout this war. Europe must finally ensure real strength for itself – a real capability to defend its sky, its land, and its sea from any type of attack. In particular, this requires building sufficient air defense production capacity – both against drones and against ballistic missiles. We are now closely monitoring every change in the situation around Iran. Ukrainian intelligence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – everyone is engaged. We are in coordination with partners. It is important that this chance for change for Iran be used properly. The Iranian people have long effectively been alone against violence – against the Iranian regime. This regime, which has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens just in recent months, which has always fueled and organized wars in the region, which provided Russia with “shaheds” and the technology for their production – this regime has brought this attitude upon itself. It is important that there be a clear position in support of people and human life. It is important that American determination, the determination of everyone in the world truly work. I thank everyone who is trying to prevent the war from expanding and who is defending against strikes from Iran. And I also thank everyone who tells Russia – now, based on the experience of the Iranian regime – that justice does come. Russia must end its war against Ukraine, end it in a dignified way – diplomacy can ensure this. The world is giving Russia an opportunity for diplomacy – they should use it. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! I thank everyone who helps us!
Glory to Ukraine!