Fellow Ukrainians!
Recovery efforts are still ongoing in the aftermath of the Russian strike. It was a brutal attack – 68 missiles alone, many of them ballistic. There were also more than 350 drones of various types, including jet-powered “shaheds.” Russia’s tactics remain unchanged: to inflict as much pain and damage as possible on Ukrainians and on Ukraine. The interception rate for “shaheds” was high – 92 percent – and there were also significant interception results in shooting down cruise missiles. I am grateful to our aviation, mobile fire groups, and anti-aircraft missile forces. All six Kalibr missiles were shot down last night, and 31 out of 33 cruise missiles were intercepted, meaning whenever the necessary capabilities are available, our warriors deliver truly high interception rates. That is the only explanation for the problem with ballistic missiles – insufficient number of interceptors. This is especially true for Patriots. We have proven to all our partners both the need, and more importantly, the possibility of providing greater protection of lives. It is simply nonsensical that, in today’s world, production has still not been scaled up to the level that is actually needed to protect people from ballistic terror. We have long made the case that we are capable of producing such defensive weapons ourselves. If Ukraine were granted U.S. licenses to produce Patriots, our own production would be sufficient both to protect Ukraine and to help partners in need. We are in contact with everyone around the world who can provide air defense missiles now. This is our top priority. And this is Russia’s last argument for what it can use, and how, to prolong this war. Russia is betting specifically on ballistic missiles, and those who want peace must bet on protection against ballistic missiles.
With this massive strike alone, the Russians killed 22 people. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. These are the figures as of now. Nearly 90 more people were injured. This time again, Russia’s main targets were Kyiv and the region. Once again, Putin “vanquished” ordinary residential buildings. The situation is difficult in Vyshneve near Kyiv because of secondary detonation. Since nighttime today, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has been reporting to me virtually every half hour on the rescue operation, the clearing of rubble, and the extinguishing of fires. I expect the Security Service of Ukraine and our intelligence agencies to establish in detail what happened in Vyshneve. We also spoke with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. The Cabinet of Ministers will provide funds from the reserve fund to help the Vyshneve community – the consequences are such that the community’s own resources will not be enough. I thank all heads of communities, every Ukrainian business, all civic leaders, and our partners who are helping people and not leaving those affected by Russian strikes without support.
We very much expect that the summit now in Ankara – the summit of the strongest Euro-Atlantic states – will not become a hollow exercise. And that our protection of life, our security cooperation, and defense capabilities here in Europe and with America will become stronger through joint work and joint decisions. Decisions are needed. I also thank those leaders who did not stay silent today and who are condemning Russian terror.
We continue to respond to Russia’s strikes in a completely justified way – implementing our plan of long-range sanctions precisely and effectively – and everyone in the world recognizes this. Today, our long-range sanctions reached the oil refinery in Omsk – nearly 2,500 kilometers from Ukraine. Upgraded Firepoint drones have put Siberia within reach of Ukrainian precision. This is a significant blow to Russia’s oil economy and an important achievement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I also want to thank the Security Service of Ukraine, our intelligence agencies, and the Unmanned Systems Forces – there have also been hits on the oil refinery in Yaroslavl and on other oil facilities on Russian territory and in Russian-occupied territory. Mid-range sanctions are working as well. The Russians will feel even more strongly that this war must be brought to an end. Peace is needed, and Putin must accept that peace is a blessing, not a catastrophe, as he believes. I thank everyone who is helping us, helping Ukraine! I thank everyone who cares for our people. Eternal memory to all the victims of Russian terror.
Glory to Ukraine!