Fellow Ukrainians!
A brief summary of the day. Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. Much of it focused on the energy sector – recovery efforts across the regions, deployed headquarters, and the need for equipment reserves. This week will be very active in diplomacy, and there are several specific tasks related to essential equipment – for repairs and for power generation. Clear assignments have been given to our diplomats.
We are also working on gas supplies – ensuring volumes for the heating season. I want to thank every repair crew, I want to thank all Ukrainian gas workers – our people are working almost around the clock for Ukraine, to make sure Ukrainians have gas. We determined all the details regarding financing – how much funding will be sufficient for gas purchases and what the possible sources of financing could be. In fact, half of these funds have already been secured, and the Government will find the entire required volume. The relevant instructions have been given.
Of course, there were also military reports – in detail, about strengthening our aviation component. There will be greater combat capabilities for our aviation to protect infrastructure, including more helicopters. Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko delivered a report – on energy-related matters as well. Good agreements have been reached with Slovakia following the visit of Ukraine’s Prime Minister. I’m grateful for that.
We are also working on projects with the United States in the energy sector. There is significant U.S. interest in cooperation on nuclear power generation, as well as on gas and oil. Ukraine’s infrastructure can provide greater energy security for the entire region – and the United States is clearly interested in that. Overall, this is already part of a much broader Euro-Atlantic strategy – the energy market in Europe must be freed not only from dependence on Russian energy resources but also from the very fact of their supply. Russia builds its policy on anti-European foundations and seeks to break Europe – this is something that definitely cannot be financed at Europe’s expense. Nowhere else in the world will Putin earn the kind of money he earned in Europe before this war – and, unfortunately, still continues to earn. Europe will continue to restrict this. We are also working with partners on new sanctions against Russia – there will be many negotiations on sanctions this week. I thank everyone who is helping.
Today, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal also delivered a report, primarily about the outcomes of the Ramstein meeting and new agreements with partners. There will be additional support packages. Separately – and very specifically – we are working with the United States to ensure that Ukraine still can receive the necessary number of Patriot systems. This is not an easy task, but it is one of the security guarantees for Ukraine – and it will work in the long term. In Washington, I spoke with defense companies that produce Patriots and other weapons we need. The willingness to work with Ukraine is fully sufficient – Ukraine is trusted. It is important that there be enough support for this at the political level in Washington.
And one more thing.
I spoke with President Macron – in particular about the current diplomatic prospects. We must keep up the pressure on Russia – now is the right moment, and pressure can open up new prospects. I also spoke with the Prime Minister of Denmark. Our cooperation with Denmark is very substantive – it covers defense production, as well as other forms of support for Ukraine. We greatly appreciate the political support, especially now that Denmark holds the presidency of the European Union, which helps us strengthen our positions. We are preparing joint European decisions that will be helpful. We are counting on a productive week ahead.
Glory to Ukraine!
