Russia's attempts to intimidate Ukrainian citizens with the threat of massive shelling on the eve of the anniversary of the full-scale invasion will not yield results, as our air defense forces are more powerful than ever. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte in Kyiv.
"We understand what Russia can do. It attacks us and uses all options: aviation, missile strikes. Most importantly, I believe that today, in terms of air defense systems, we are probably at the best level than ever since our independence," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
According to the President, due to the substantial assistance of Ukraine's partners, our air defense forces are now highly effective in shooting down enemy missiles and other airborne weapons.
"I think their intimidation will lead to nothing. I think the result will be the same as every week. I don't know what could be more than a blackout when they fired more than 100 missiles and drones at us," he said.
The Head of State emphasized that there is no need to be afraid of Russian threats, but to rely on our own strength.
"Trust in our strength. I am sure we have managed to get through the most difficult stage in our lives. Back on February 24, when we didn't have many partners. Now we definitely have more, and we are definitely stronger. And I am sure that Russia was much stronger then. And now it is not so powerful and does not have so many forces," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Speaking about the issue of providing Ukraine with modern combat aircraft, the President noted that this topic is even more complicated than the creation of the so-called tank coalition.
"We will work on this coalition (on aircraft - ed.), on the issue of training. We have started a conversation about training. We discussed it with Mark, and this is an issue for the whole world. Because it does not depend on one state or one decision, one society or government. It is a matter of many components," he explained.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is persistent in protecting shared values. "Let's believe that we will have a result in this direction as well," the President emphasized.
