I wish you good health!
A brief update on this day. For nearly the entire day, our warriors have been intercepting Russian drones. Air raid alerts were active in most regions, and more than seven hundred Russian drones were launched – a significant number of them “shaheds.” The interception rate over the past 24 hours has been quite high – around 90 percent – but, of course, it needs to be higher. Unfortunately, there were hits, including in the Volyn, Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Cherkasy, Ivano-Frankivsk, and other regions. Recovery efforts are underway wherever needed. Energy facilities were once again among the main targets for Russians. In Lutsk, food warehouses and a Nova Poshta terminal have also been damaged. In the Poltava region and other areas, damage has been reported to residential buildings. This is, in fact, Russia’s response to our proposal for a ceasefire during the Easter holidays. Ukraine openly made this proposal to Russia. Russia responds with “shaheds” and continues its terrorist operations against our energy sector and infrastructure.
Today, I spoke with the American team, in particular about this. Different signals are needed, and a ceasefire during Easter could be the signal that tells everyone – diplomacy can succeed. Ukraine is doing everything to support efforts toward peace. Today, we had a detailed discussion with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, joined by Lindsey Graham and Mark Rutte. We focused on how to strengthen diplomacy, what steps are possible, and also on security guarantees and the involvement of Europeans. It was a positive conversation. I want to thank you, Steve, Jared, Lindsey, and Mark. We agreed to strengthen security guarantees, and I have already instructed our team to promptly update the documents so that the security guarantees for Ukraine are strong, the prospects for post-war reconstruction are real, and everything is doable. Everything must be kept current. We see how the world is changing – how much can shift in a single moment. This concerns both alliances and security challenges alike. Ukraine must receive reliable security: this is the main task. I am grateful that the U.S. President’s envoys hear us and are ready to work together to find the right compromises, the right steps, and the right solutions. The key lies in how and what all of us discuss with Russia, and in how the documents are prepared, particularly those on security guarantees. So that Ukrainians clearly understand how partners will respond in the event of renewed Russian aggression, and what will actually deter Russia from aggression. We need strong, shared positions, and Ukraine’s contribution to this strength is unquestionable. We continue working with America. I thank everyone who is helping us. I expect that the teams will work substantively in the coming days so that we can all feel progress. A trilateral format is important – a leaders’ format – all of this is necessary.
One more thing.
It is important that Rustem Umerov continues to work with countries that are interested in Ukraine’s expertise in defense. We are preparing long-term agreements. Long-term cooperation is what always delivers the best results. We already have agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. We are working with Jordan. We are in communication with Kuwait, now also Iraq, and Bahrain. There is also now a strong interest from Türkiye and several other countries beyond the Middle East – interest in Ukraine’s strength. And we will certainly support those who support us. We are ready to work with those who respect us, respect Ukraine, respect Ukrainians, and are ready to build real cooperation for decades. This is what will give Ukraine confidence. This is what will give our partners security. There will also be agreements with our partners in Europe – I have already discussed this with many. I spoke today with the Prime Minister of Norway. Thank you, Jonas! It was a good conversation. I also had a call today with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom – we are preparing new, strong steps. Thank you, Keir! Thank you to everyone who stands with us, with Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!