Speeches

In the midst of a full-scale war, we are able to hold such events, which demonstrate Ukrainian strength that only continues to grow. And this says a lot, primarily, about our resilience: the resilience of the Ukrainian state and the inner strength of our people.

Recovery efforts are ongoing following the Russian strike on Ukraine – a massive attack in which the Russians are not even trying to conceal their true intentions. The overwhelming majority of targets were civilian objects and ordinary infrastructure.

Today, practically the entire day, the Russians have been carrying out brutal strikes on the city of Shostka in the Sumy region – targeting the railway station, energy facilities, and civilian infrastructure. This is a typical Russian terror. Dozens of drones. One of the hits was virtually on a train – an ordinary train, with no military purpose whatsoever.

I held a Staff meeting. Energy sector: reports were delivered on protecting our facilities and restoring them. Today, there was another Russian strike on our gas infrastructure – just ahead of the heating season, the Russians are looking for ways to inflict more harm on our people.

It is important that there is a common understanding that we need to move forward with security guarantees for Ukraine. The model that works for us can also work for others in Europe.

We are all now in a new reality – and everyone, I think, understands this, even those who may not want to admit it yet. The recent drone incidents across Europe are a clear sign that Russia still feels bold enough to escalate this war.

We need to build up our defense capabilities, and Ukraine can truly help. No country in Europe has more experience than Ukraine in defending against drones and missiles.

Today – on this Defenders’ Day, on the Feast of the Intercession – we honor more Hero Cities, cities of heroes. I have signed a decree. These are cities thanks to which thousands of lives of our people have been saved. Cities that defend our entire state – in the fullest sense of those words.

Today is your day – the day of millions – of all those who dedicate their lives to the life of Ukraine. 

It is now the seventh day – by the way, it is something that has never happened before – of an emergency situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The situation is critical. Because of Russian shelling, the plant has been cut off from power, disconnected from the electrical grid, and is being supplied with electricity by diesel generators. This is extraordinary.