Speeches

Please let us pray today for three important things. For those in captivity – that they all may make it through. For those in battle – that they may return. And for peace for Ukraine, that it may come – a just peace, a lasting peace, strong as our people are strong, and just.

Today is an important day – the day of our important Ukrainian symbol, our true guardian, a day of a very powerful emotion. It is the warmth you feel when you are at home – or when, anywhere in the world, you recognize your own people and what is yours by two colors – the colors of the Ukrainian heart and soul, to which this day is dedicated. Ukraine's National Flag Day.

Thank you all – everyone who continues the tradition of holding this kind of Veterans Forum on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day. And thank you very much for defending our state. With great respect for all our Ukrainian veterans. We thank you.

A rescue operation is currently underway in Kryvyi Rih following a strike on a shopping mall. All the necessary services have been deployed. Unfortunately, there are many casualties. It was an attack by several Russian drones – deliberate, despicable, one after another. As of now, 14 people have been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones.

It is important for us to keep our ambassadors who are truly sincere, who have truly been helping from the first days of the war. It sounds absurd when we put it that way, but it is true. From the first days of the war, they have been doing everything to help us achieve peace. That is such a difficult task. I thank you. And we cannot afford to lose you, your voices.

At all levels, we convey to them both what we need and the fact that we know our partners are capable of meeting this need. We ain’t talking about gifts. Ukraine is ready to buy the weapons. What matters is that decisions be made – appropriate political decisions by our partners, first and foremost in the U.S. 

I expect the Ministry of Defense to expand the operational scope of our deep-strike capabilities, work with Ukrainian weapons manufacturers to provide greater opportunities to defend Ukrainian airspace, and, together with our partners, expand the capabilities of our defensive and offensive operations.

Colonel Konovalets has returned to the very Ukraine he fought for and wanted to see. A strong, sovereign, independent Ukraine. A Ukraine that honors and develops its army.

A meeting with the military and the Minister of Defense. The front was the key issue. We identified additional organizational decisions and the necessary resources to strengthen the capabilities of our units in the Slovyansk sector, in Kostiantynivka, and in the Pokrovsk area.

Here, at the Lavra, and in our other places like this – in our national shrines – you feel that you are part of something much greater, truly greater and longer-lasting than your personal story, your personal experiences, and your personal memory.