Dear Ukrainians!
Restoration efforts continue after last night’s strike. It was a massive attack involving many ballistic missiles: at least 25 ballistic missiles were fired, along with aerobalistic and cruise missiles, plus more than 450 drones of various types. It was a very flagrant and largely demonstrative strike.
Pressure on Russia is still insufficient, and any weakening within already existing formats of pressure only encourages Putin to prolong the war, inflict more damage on our country, our people, and others around the world. Weak responses to Russian brazenness spur Russia to continue the war. We need so many sanctions, so much pressure, so much support for life that Russia is stripped of all means of existence in wartime.
The main targets of this strike were our cities, our energy sector, and our people. Tragically, there are fatalities. In Dnipro, a Russian drone hit an apartment building. And as of now, three people have been reported killed in the city. Sadly, there is also a life lost in Kharkiv. My sincere condolences to all family members and loved ones.
All services are deployed. Since last night, I have been in contact with all responsible officials, and they must restore electricity, water, and heating in the affected cities as quickly as possible. Government officials are expected to be in the regions: in Kharkiv, in the Poltava, Dnipro, Kirovohrad, and Donetsk regions, and in Kherson – in all regions where urgent decisions must be made and people assisted. Regional authorities must receive all necessary support from the central government.
I want to thank every leader of our communities – all those who are truly standing with the people. And there must be sufficient support for people at both the state and community levels. Everything that is urgently needed must be provided.
Over the course of the night, Ukraine’s Defense Forces neutralized more than 400 drones, which is a significant result – achieved by our unmanned systems units, army aviation, and mobile fire groups. Electronic warfare did its job. Some of the missiles were also shot down – although, of course, it is extremely difficult to counter ballistic and aeroballistic missiles. Only a few systems in the world are capable of intercepting such missiles effectively – and to protect our entire territory, we need far more of these systems and far more of the missiles for them. We are working with our partners, with the United States, to purchase additional Patriots, and we are very much counting on the support. I am grateful to every leader. I am grateful to every one of our friends in Europe, in America, in Asia, who is supporting us and is trying to help. Decisions are coming.
One more thing. Today is an important day, the professional day of a crucial component of our Defense Forces – the Day of our Airborne Assault Forces. Warriors, without whom truly strong Ukrainian results would not be possible. And in every real hotspot on the front, our paratroopers act alongside our other warriors. I want to thank you; we are proud of you, and we have absolute respect for Ukrainian warriors. I had the honor of awarding you right here today. Thank you!
Glory to Ukraine!