President of Ukraine

Speeches

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.

When Ukrainians are left without power for 20–30 hours because of Russia, and when Russian strikes are aimed at breaking our energy system and our people, it is Russia that must be put under pressure.

Legally, the state of emergency in the energy sector will be officially declared – this will provide more possibilities. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will simplify to the maximum all processes related to connecting backup energy equipment to the grid.

We are genuinely working to ensure that, in the near future, the formats for signing and approval – legal approval in the United States Congress and in the Ukrainian Parliament – can be in place. Today, Rustem Umerov delivered a report, in particular on these issues as well.