I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
First, anti-ballistic capabilities. Our FREYJA program – a joint European anti-ballistic system – is already actively underway. Ten countries are already involved, and more of our partners will join – those capable of providing real support. We've already agreed on that. I am grateful to all the companies ready to work within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition. These are leading European companies. Ukraine is capable of producing its missile and launcher, while our partners will provide the necessary components and critical elements – radars, sensors, and everything else required. An anti-ballistic program of our own – one that is truly large-scale – will greatly benefit everyone in Europe. Today, we went over in detail what else is needed: which steps must be taken by our state and which by our partners so that Ukrainian weapons manufacturers and developers can deliver real results. Only a tiny minority of countries worldwide have developed an anti-ballistic project of this kind for themselves. Ukraine must join this group of nations. We are creating all the necessary conditions to make that happen. Others spent decades developing their systems. Ukraine must do this as quickly as possible, with concrete results already in place by the turn of 2026–2027. Ukraine is also working to develop ballistic missiles of its own. The tests have shown strong potential. We need to turn this into a real weapon. The National Security and Defense Council, our intelligence agencies, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Air Force, and the Brave1 defense cluster – all institutions of our state are involved. However, as of now, the number one challenge is Russian strikes. This means that every Ukrainian diplomat, all our government officials, and the Ministry of Defense must know where in the world PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems are available, as well as other air defense missiles. Direct talks, direct contacts, and new agreements are needed, and I expect everything we discussed with our officials to be implemented. The United States knows exactly what we need and that this is not about something abstract. This is about protecting our lives. These are real people, individual lives. Air defense is needed, and that requires political decisions. In Europe too. In the G7 countries too. We work on this every day. Today, I spoke with the Prime Minister of Norway, primarily about air defense. Yesterday, we spoke with Mark Rutte, the NATO Secretary General, and the President of Finland. We coordinated our efforts and contacts with other partners.
Today, we discussed the situation regarding sanctions against Russia – against the companies and individuals involved in producing ballistic missiles in Russia and bringing in critical components. Unfortunately, there are still gaps in the sanctions lists in many countries. I expect Ukrainian government officials, special services, and intelligence agencies to fully join forces now and work with our partners so that by September we can actually see that every jurisdiction that truly has influence and global significance has completely cut off ties with the Russian manufacturers of all these weapons. This also applies to suppliers of components and machine tools, as well as those helping Russia circumvent financial and trade restrictions. It is unacceptable that, even now, Russian industry that fuels the killing continues to have access to jurisdictions around the world. This access must be blocked. I will be grateful to all our partners who support this effort.
And one more point.
Today, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the first measures in a support package for agricultural producers who are now facing serious difficulties because of Russian strikes on our ports and the maritime corridor. Prime Minister Koretskyi reported on the practical measures that will take effect over the next few days. In particular, preferential loans were approved at today’s government meeting, and portfolio guarantees will be approved shortly. In other words, concrete funding to expand all capabilities and all storage capacity. Additional decisions will follow. It is also important that the Prime Minister has made the necessary decisions regarding Marhanets and other cities in the Dnipro region. The situation there was disgraceful – absolutely disgraceful – with people left without water and an extremely slow response at the regional level from those responsible for the water supply. The official responsible will be dismissed. I expect regional and local authorities to stay alert and respond much faster to people’s needs. Wartime means working 24/7. I thank everyone who works this way for the sake of Ukrainians! Restoration work on the electricity supply is also underway in Kherson. The situation is extremely difficult because of constant shelling. But everything will be done. Everything will be done to ensure that people have electricity. This is very important.
Glory to Ukraine!