Fellow Ukrainians!
Work is still ongoing in Kyiv at the sites of the Russian strikes. A large number of ballistic missiles were used – today was one of the largest ballistic missile attacks. Kyiv and the region were the Russians’ primary target. They had been preparing this attack for several days, stockpiling missiles. The threat, of course, remains even now, and this must be taken into account. Russia is placing its wagers on ballistic missiles, and it is because of them that Putin still believes in his war. Today, our air defense forces and all our defenders of the skies managed to shoot down 18 missiles and neutralize more than a hundred drones. It is very important that our partners understand what is happening and that air defense missiles are needed to protect lives literally every single day. I very much expect Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government officials at all levels to promptly engage with our partners regarding the packages we have already agreed on. It is important to accelerate everything – both with our European partners and with the United States. The result is needed every day. Today’s attack damaged more than a hundred sites in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. There were also strikes against Kharkiv, the Sumy and Donetsk regions, and Kherson today. I am grateful to everyone who is truly helping people and saving lives.
Today, I continued speaking with experienced Ukrainian military officers – Mykhailo Drapatyi, Volodymyr Horbatiuk, and Oleh Apostol. Each of them is well known in the army. They reported on the situation in the relevant sectors, and we also discussed the overall course of the war. It is important to assess our strategy going forward and Ukraine’s proactive steps – how to force Russia to end this war with a dignified peace for Ukraine and guaranteed security. There are various components to this, and I want to hear how commanders at different levels across Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces see it. Tomorrow, I will hold key talks. Ukraine must achieve its goals – and it will.
One more point.
We continue implementing our long-range sanctions plan against Russia for the war. The oil industry, supplies for the occupation contingent, our Ukrainian mid-range strikes and long-range strikes – these are our responses to what Russia is doing against Ukraine and to the way the Russians think. You cannot simply go on living your life and pretend not to notice when your country is killing a neighboring country. Pressure must be brought to bear on Moscow. Pressure is needed so that there is peace. This is exactly how we are working. I thank everyone who is helping! I thank everyone who cares about people and who cares about life!
Glory to Ukraine!