Speeches

I am very glad that our partners – Lithuania and Poland – support Ukraine within the European Union. And for us, this is one of the guarantees – I have said this many times: one of the security guarantees for Ukraine is membership in the European Union.

European politicians should value the fact that they represent free and independent states, rather than having to lead uprisings against empires and occupiers today. It is too early for Europe to relax while Russia’s war machine is still running, and while dictators around Europe are not weakening. They all look at Europe – at us – as prey.

Today has been full of tasks, including for our diplomatic team. Ukrainian representatives report to me almost every hour – they are currently in the UAE, where a conversation took place today involving the Ukrainian, American, and Russian delegations.

We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles – not when we have a chance to be a great power together. We should not accept that Europe is just a "salad" of small and middle powers, seasoned with enemies of Europe. When united, we are truly invincible. And Europe can and must be a global force. Not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future.

We must focus on the situation inside the country. Every official, local authorities, all heads of state-owned companies and energy companies – everyone must be right here, in Ukraine, working in cities, in villages, in the areas where restoration and protection are needed.

Mobile fire groups, interceptor drones, and other means of short-range air defense – this system will be transformed. I approved the appointment of a new Deputy Commander of the Air Force – Pavlo Yelizarov. In the army, he is known for Lazar, a special unit that operates – and operates effectively.

Everything clearly shows that diplomacy is not a priority for Russia. This must be acknowledged. Pressure on the aggressor and the real cause of this war must continue. The cause is in Moscow.

I thank every partner who is now ready to help Ukraine with equipment. There are arrangements for the import of generators and other equipment. We are accelerating all decisions as much as possible.

We are speaking frankly to our partners – both about air defense missiles and the systems we need so much. Supplies are insufficient. We are trying to speed things up, and it's crucial that our partners hear us.

Today, with Mr. President, we discussed the situation in diplomacy – globally. And also in our relations at the European level: what concerns the European Union and Ukraine, European programs and Ukraine.