Dear Ukrainians!
A quick update on today. I held a coordination call covering all the regions affected by Russian strikes and hits. Special attention was on the Chernihiv region, where restoration of electricity continued throughout the day. I tasked government officials and the Presidential Office team to also work together with the military on air defense issues – especially protection against drones – in the western regions of Ukraine. We need to add defensive lines – this is a clear task. We also know that the Russians are preparing an operation against water supply systems in the coming months. And every community must take the protection of relevant facilities seriously and with full responsibility. Today, we went over the key tasks again with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the CEO of Naftogaz, other government officials, and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. The Air Force and the Armed Forces of Ukraine also have work to do.
Our diplomatic team is working actively, and in particular, we are engaging with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf, which now show a strong interest in Ukraine’s experience, above all in defending against drones. We already see that not only “shaheds” are being used in the Middle East and the Gulf region, but there is also growing evidence of the use of FPV drones. This is modern warfare, and everyone must be prepared for it. Ukraine has this expertise, and in exchange for our support, we need corresponding help in areas where we face greater challenges. This includes protection against ballistic threats and financial resources for defense. Ukraine offers a mutually beneficial partnership: we can strengthen those who can strengthen us. And the situation in the world now is such that only coordinated and joint actions can guarantee real results and genuine security. We see that we are being blocked in Europe, and as long as this risk remains, we must seek out additional opportunities to strengthen ourselves. The Middle East and the Gulf are, in our view, the right direction and serious opportunities to make us stronger.
We are also working closely with our reliable partners in Europe to scale up joint weapons production projects, first and foremost, drones. I am grateful to every country and every leader who are already with us. There will be new agreements as well – we are preparing them. And of course – gratitude to our warriors. Our positions on the front, our positions in domestic production, our strength here at home – this is what allows Ukraine to attract global attention. Without global attention, it is nearly impossible to withstand this kind of war. And without strong defense, the world does not notice the peoples fighting for freedom. That is why our courage and our strength are Ukraine’s most important assets. We defend our state. We defend our independence. And we achieve results for Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine!