I wish you good health!
Briefly about this day. I received a briefing from the Security Service of Ukraine – from Yevhenii Khmara. He leads many of our operations. That is exactly what we discussed: the operations that have taken place recently. The Security Service of Ukraine is working effectively – I want to thank all SSU operatives and special forces personnel for this. It is still too early to speak publicly about some of the operations – ones that the Russians have already felt. Some of the operations are still underway. I also approved new ones. We are actively defending ourselves, and every Russian loss brings the end of the war closer. Our deep strikes, special measures – all of this, of course, must continue.
I also spoke with Kyrylo Budanov – including about the sanctions policy. Last year, with many partners, we established a new cooperation to synchronize sanctions, but the pace must be higher, much higher. Russian production of missiles and drones cannot exist without supplies of components from other countries. And this applies not just to some individual Russian-made items, but to all Russian weapons. This is weaponry built on components that Russia does not produce itself. That is why blocking supplies and expanding sanctions is one of our key priorities. And it must also be a priority for our partners. Our institutions must work on this more actively. Budanov also reported on part of the meetings within the diplomatic track. I am expecting a full, detailed report from the entire negotiating team. And we continue communication with the American side practically every day. Today, Rustem Umerov once again reached out to our American partners. This is our strategic task: dialogue with the United States must be one hundred percent constructive. Ukraine has never been and never will be an obstacle to diplomacy, and our effectiveness in working with partners has always been at the highest level. And it will remain so. Only Russia is the source of this war, the reason the war is being dragged out, and it deserves all retaliatory strikes and pressure for everything it does against life and people, against diplomacy, against partners. We carefully monitor and document every attempt by the Russians to undermine our relations with partners. We see which lobbyists Moscow is engaging, through whom it is trying to act, which internal operations it is attempting to launch in Ukraine and in Europe. Our response will be tangible – through our special services, through our intelligence agencies, through political cooperation with our partners, and, in particular, through sanctions. What is important is that the U.S. Congress is back in motion on tougher sanctions against Russia – targeting Russian oil. This can truly work. I thank everyone who is helping.
Today, I want to recognize our warriors – every single one, who, despite everything – despite constant strikes, Russian assaults, despite this entire harsh, cold winter – are defending our positions and destroying the occupier. The Pokrovsk direction – the warriors of the 38th Marine Brigade, the 425th Separate Assault Regiment, the 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade “Magyar's Birds,” and the 14th Brigade of Operational Assignment of the National Guard “Chervona Kalyna.” Thank you! The Kramatorsk direction – first and foremost, the warriors of the 24th Mechanized Brigade. Thank you! The Kupyansk direction – the 43rd Mechanized Brigade and the 13th Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard. Thank you! Also in our Kharkiv region, the warriors of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade deserve special thanks. Well done, warriors! Huliaipole – the 5th Assault Brigade, the 1st and the 225th Assault Regiments. Thank you! I thank everyone who is fighting for Ukraine!
There was a briefing today from Mykhailo Fedorov, essentially on our defense plan – we discussed strategic matters. I expect that, next week, parliamentarians will support Mykhailo for the position of Minister of Defense of Ukraine. We have an action plan for the defense sector. Just as we do for diplomacy. And it depends solely on our partners’ resolve – which plan will take priority for the year. The war must be brought to an end. This requires pressuring Russia. Those who speak the language of ballistics and “shaheds” understand nothing but force. We are working to ensure the world acts effectively.
Glory to Ukraine!