I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today – our warriors, our combat brigades: the 31st and 67th Mechanized Brigades, the 20th Army Corps. I want to thank you, warriors!
Now, on May 8, when most of the world remembers and honors the warriors of World War II – those who defeated the Nazis – one must recognize that today’s Russian Nazis are continuing their war and are still trying to bring back the same insane order that was defeated in World War II. Our defense against Russia’s invasion is not only the defense of Ukraine alone; it is not only the defense of our independence. Russia threatens almost all of its neighbors and all of Europe, not just one country. And it is in forests like these, on lands like these – in the Dnipro region and in the east of our country, in Donbas, in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions – that previous generations of Ukrainians fought against the occupier in World War II. And now, here, our Ukrainian heroes are defending the life of the people and the people’s right to life – defending it from this Russian occupier, who so closely resembles the one from the 20th century. We will definitely defend Ukraine’s life and our independence – without a doubt.
There was extensive work with combat brigades today, and I am grateful for the honest assessments. We understand that more UGVs are needed, along with improved capabilities of these systems. We will try to increase funding further – in particular so that brigades can continue refining their own developments and ensure that everything necessary for specific tasks can be secured on the ground quickly. I thank every warrior and all commanders who are truly creative in their developments and solutions. Everything that helps protect the lives of our warriors and destroy the occupier will be supported. We have identified existing supply shortages, and I will convene a Staff meeting regarding the issues discussed today. We spoke in detail about logistics – logistics of all types – including support for our positions, as well as things like road repairs throughout the area near the front. The Dnipro region, in particular, needs to work on this more. The quality of roads is, first and foremost, the speed of saving the wounded warriors. There were also important issues regarding the protection of Nikopol and Marhanets – the drone threat is very severe. Special attention was given to the Donetsk region and the key defense areas in the region. I thank everyone who fights for Ukraine, everyone who defends the state and remembers their brothers-in-arms – helping and taking care of them.
And a few more points. Many new threats are coming from Russia right now. Although we have taken an entirely logical and clear position for the Russians – we will strictly mirror their actions. Today, they began the day with shelling on the frontline, and there was assault activity. Drones are being used. Yesterday, they carried out even more air strikes. Our responses were in kind. What tomorrow brings depends on what we hear today.
Also, Rustem Umerov has already delivered a report following his meetings in the United States with the U.S. President’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meetings were substantive. We expect this to help strengthen our positions. And humanitarian issues must be resolved – people must be released from captivity. This is extremely important. We very much hope that everything will work out.
Glory to Ukraine!