I wish you health!
We are starting a new diplomatic week right now – there will be consultations with European leaders. First and foremost, security issues, support for our resilience, and support packages for our defense. First and foremost, air defense and long-term funding for Ukraine. Of course, we will discuss a shared vision and common positions in the negotiations.
In recent days, representatives of Ukraine held substantive discussions with envoys of the U.S. President – and now NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov are en route to Europe. I expect detailed information from them on everything that was said to the American envoys in Moscow, and on the nuances the Americans are prepared to modify in negotiations with us and with the Russians.
Yesterday, we spoke with Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner – thank you for your readiness to work together 24/7. The American envoys are aware of Ukraine’s core positions, and the conversation was constructive, though not easy. We continue our work. Some issues can only be discussed in person: Umerov and Hnatov will brief me, and I will also speak with European leaders – we have meetings scheduled in London and Brussels.
Today, I spoke with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni – the conversation was very substantive, and I count on Italy continuing to stand with Ukraine on the path to peace: Giorgia and I were able to discuss many prospects and many different options today. I also remain in constant contact with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the European Commission, the NATO Secretary General, and other partners of ours. I thank everyone for their support. Ukraine deserves a dignified peace, and whether there will be peace depends entirely on Russia – on our collective pressure on Russia and on the sound negotiating positions of the United States, Europe, and all our other partners. Russia must be held accountable for what it is doing – for the daily strikes, for the constant terror against our people, and for the war itself.
And a few more points. We are not forgetting domestic issues or our internal transformation – to ensure that Ukraine’s positions are strong. On Friday, at the Staff meeting, I approved an extremely important decision for combat brigades on the front line: regarding the distribution of personnel, regarding people reinforcing brigades, and regarding the expansion of training for new recruits directly within the brigades. I strongly expect that over the coming week, all the steps required will be taken to ensure that this personnel distribution procedure actually takes effect – and does so as quickly as possible. Additional decisions to strengthen our armed forces will also follow. Other decisions aimed at strengthening our army will also be made.
Today, I also want to express my special gratitude to all our Ukrainian communities who do not forget that the key priority is to defend against the occupier and support our state in all, absolutely all, processes. Today in Ukraine, we mark Local Self-Government Day. I thank every active community. I thank all mayors and community leaders who truly stand with their communities, with their people, and with Ukraine. Hundreds of our communities stand shoulder to shoulder, and this strengthens our entire state and all our positions – both on the front line and in diplomacy. Thank you!
Glory to Ukraine!