Victory in the war can only be achieved through unity and collective effort. This was the message from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech at the expanded meeting of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
The President presented the Victory Plan to the members of the Congress and local communities.
"Our people – millions of Ukrainians – are doing everything possible to ensure that the state withstands the war and that Ukrainian society is protected from Russian attacks. But there are things that only our partners can provide, and this is exactly what is outlined in our Victory Plan," the President said.
He noted that the Cabinet of Ministers, the Verkhovna Rada, and the Office of the President are already working at the level of teams with key countries that have the potential to implement the Plan’s points. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it is now crucial to engage local communities in this effort.
"We always work with our partners at all levels – at the highest level and at the level of every heart that stands with Ukraine and truly wants peace and justice for us. We are working with leaders. Governments and parliaments are already working as well. I ask you, our esteemed communities, to begin this work at the level of your connections with regions in other countries, with communities in partner nations," he emphasized.
Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak highlighted that the Victory Plan could become a foundation for uniting not only Ukrainian society but also Ukraine's allies.
"We need to promote it even more, especially at the local level. It should be included in all interactions between our regions and cities with cities, states, lands, provinces, and voivodeships of partner countries. Cooperation at these levels must be comprehensive and dynamic. Let people speak to people," said the Head of the Office of the President.
Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that spreading information about the Victory Plan is already a component of all international events. In particular, today Ukraine presented the Plan at the third Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform to over 70 delegations.
"We received broad support and willingness to participate in its implementation. These positions were reflected in the statement adopted by the participants of this summit," he added.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal agreed with all the initiatives voiced and assured that the government fully backs Ukraine's path to victory.
"The government is implementing everything necessary for NATO membership, all the reforms and steps. We are also ready to help you wherever needed, at all levels, in terms of contacts, communication, and implementation. The key issue today is our unity," he concluded.
About 400 representatives of local and regional authorities, along with ambassadors from G7 and EU countries in Ukraine, participated in the meeting.