Dear Ukrainians!
Today, there were briefings from our military, government officials, and energy companies on protecting infrastructure and dealing with the aftermath of Russian strikes. It’s very important to ensure a truly prompt response at every level. We’ve decided that there will be more repair crews. We’ve also decided that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will help deal with the aftermath of the strikes. Thanks to the negotiations over the past few weeks, we now have agreements with our partners on additional support packages. These include ammunition for F-16s, which are being actively used to shoot down jet-powered “shaheds.”
In the past 24 hours, since yesterday evening, our aircraft alone have shot down 62 jet-powered “shaheds.” And our Air Force is getting results like this virtually every day. These are good results. And we need more. More mobile fire groups, electronic warfare units, and surface-to-air missile forces. We're providing what's needed across all these areas.
We also have new agreements on energy equipment from Germany, Spain, Slovakia, and other countries – equipment needed for repairs and backup reserves. The Ukrainian Government is working separately on the tasks in Kyiv: preparations at the city level have failed. This includes backup power options for the water utility, as well as many other issues. The Cabinet of Ministers is pressing suppliers to speed things up.
This is important. Russia’s tactics are aimed at destroying power grids, transformers, and switchgear. That is why, even when we have enough generating capacity, some regions unfortunately still face shortages. This can be fixed through repairs, and speed is critical.
Today, I also discussed with the Prime Minister of Ukraine how we can provide additional incentives for repair crews, our energy-sector and railway employees, and municipal utility staff – everyone who is pretty much working around the clock for the sake of people. We are also fighting to secure deliveries of air defense missiles. The countries that can help Ukraine are obvious. The United States, first and foremost.
We now have intel that another strike is being prepared – targeting our energy sector, bridges across the Dnipro, and civilian infrastructure. The Air Force and the Armed Forces of Ukraine overall are preparing to protect us. It's not easy. We need interceptor missiles for our Patriots. Every agreement matters, and every day counts when it comes to deliveries. We're asking our partners very strongly: please don't put off deliveries.
Today, I spoke with the team responsible for our deep strikes – our long-range strikes. Russia will get our response.
Today, I also had an important conversation with the NB8 countries – the Nordic and Baltic states. They have been briefed on our needs ahead of winter. And we're counting on that support coming. We're not letting up on efforts to get meetings organized – formats involving the Americans, Europeans, and Russians. It is not easy, but we need to get onto the diplomatic track and move toward ending the war. We are coordinating with our partners. Ukraine is doing everything to make peace happen.
One more thing. The Commander-in-Chief and I are preparing personnel decisions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I want to thank everyone serving Ukraine! And please stay safe, given the threat of missile attacks. Thank you.
Glory to Ukraine!