Speeches

Russia’s ties to the world that serve the war are a direct threat to life. Not only here in Ukraine. If Russia’s war machine is allowed to endure, its next strikes may come against Europe and against other neighbors of Russia, in more distant regions: Russian evil has already shown itself in Syria and in African countries.

Last night, the enemy already saw strikes hitting, in particular, their oil facilities and military sites. We are continuing these operations.

It is important that the development of our system for countering “shaheds” and other drones continue without pause. As for missiles, the task is more difficult, especially when it comes to ballistic missile defense. Protection against ballistic missiles is a daily priority, and Ukrainian diplomats must demonstrate daily results – daily results in the relevant communication with our partners.

It’s vital to continue supporting Ukraine because this is the first and most important thing stopping Russia – our defense.

Today, I want to thank our European partners. A meeting was held at the level of National Security Advisors. We are steadily advancing the issue of anti-ballistic capabilities production in Europe – we are forming an anti-ballistic coalition. This is something worth doing, and right now we are closer to a result than ever before.

I am grateful to the EU and every country taking part in our Coalition to bring back children – children who were abducted by Russia. Almost every month, we see results. Children come home. But many more still need to come home.

Today, the frontline was far from quiet – there was fighting. We have documented all of this. We can also see that Russia has no intention of ending this war, and, unfortunately, we are bracing for new attacks. But there must be peace. This is exactly what we are working for.

Our contacts with the American side regarding guarantees are also ongoing – guarantees for the implementation of the arrangements reached recently and announced by the President of the United States. The prisoner exchange – 1,000 for 1,000 – is being prepared and must take place. The Americans assumed responsibility for these guarantees. Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters has handed over the lists for one thousand POWs to the Russian side.

Now, on May 8, when most of the world remembers and honors the warriors of World War II – those who defeated the Nazis – one must recognize that today’s Russian Nazis are continuing their war and are still trying to bring back the same insane order that was defeated in World War II.

Ukraine was ready to ensure complete silence. But in response to this peace proposal of ours, there were only new Russian strikes and new threats from Russia.