I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today we spoke in detail with the Government about our tasks for the spring–summer period – the time during which we must prepare as much as possible for the next winter. There may be just as many challenges as this winter. Of course, our priority is to do everything to end the war. We will continue the diplomatic process when our American partners are ready to work as we agreed – bilateral formats with them, trilateral formats with Russia, as well as work with the Europeans. Right now, practically all of the world’s attention is focused on the situation around Iran, and no matter how long the hostilities last there, we must be ready to resume diplomacy at any moment. That's exactly how the Ukrainian team works – everyone in our delegation.
There is another positive step in the exchanges. Another two hundred of our people have returned home from Russian captivity. We expect the exchanges to continue in the coming days. Nevertheless, the Russians remain active along the front line, and the strikes continue. We are protecting lives, and part of guaranteeing security for Ukraine under any circumstances, under any scenarios, is modernizing the protection of key infrastructure. We must also restore what was destroyed by strikes over the winter. Detailed plans have been developed and will be approved for all regions. The responsibility of local authorities and regional authorities is not to lose time. I want to thank all heads of communities who approach this conscientiously.
Today we spoke with government officials about the urgent challenges with roads – much needs to be restored after the winter, the condition of the roads is very poor, and there is a special task in the frontline areas – in all communities where every minute matters for the evacuation of the wounded and for frontline logistics overall. The Government, together with the regional authorities and communities, must ensure the necessary repairs. There are also separate tasks for the Ministry of Energy, separate tasks for Naftogaz and Ukrnafta regarding price challenges due to the war in the Middle East. The global problem is the rising prices of oil and petroleum products. There must be Ukrainian responses to such challenges – in particular regarding the supply of petroleum products on the Ukrainian market. Government officials must maintain close communication with people – with society – on this matter.
We are constantly working with partners on our ability to strengthen the defense of those countries that are currently under attack from Iran. Rustem Umerov is coordinating contacts with partners in the Middle East and the Gulf region; we are also speaking with the United States. Security support from Ukraine will be provided, and the main thing is that this will allow us to expand our security cooperation with partners – by protecting countries from the Iranian regime, we are increasing our own capabilities for defense.
A few more important points.
I spoke today with the head of the Italian Government – Giorgia Meloni and I coordinate very substantively. I am grateful for the advice and for the principled support for Ukraine and Ukrainians. We discussed the situation in the Middle East, as well as our bilateral work and relations with the European Union. We are also preparing other diplomatic contacts for this and the coming weeks. Europe needs more coordination, more mutual support, and more of its own strength – Europe should be more active.
I want to thank everyone who is defending life! Thank you to everyone who stands with us, with Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!