Fellow Ukrainians!
Today, we continued our work to ensure we have air defense capabilities. We do this work every single day. Absolutely. Without a break. It's really not easy. We have to look for missiles for air defense, additional systems – especially against ballistic missiles. In just the past few days, we have already been in contact with our partners – the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, France, and the United States. This week, I also assigned specific tasks to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. I expect results. Right now, all officials must focus not on abstract matters, but on very concrete issues – air defense for Ukraine, funding for Ukraine, and the necessary means and solutions for the front and for our state’s resilience.
The coming weeks will also be important in this regard – we are preparing for meetings and negotiations, as well as for visits to Ukraine by our partners. Missiles for Patriots are a priority, and, of course, we understand that the political will of the United States would certainly be enough to make up for the Patriot shortage, but so far, there is not enough of that support. We will keep persuading through all channels. I thank everyone who is helping us. I am also grateful to every partner who is with us in the diplomatic process and is thinking about how to force Russia to finally move toward an agreement. We must end this war with dignity – end it with a real peace.
Right now, we are delivering results from our long-range sanctions against Russia, as well as our mid-range sanctions, every single day. It is important that our people in Crimea and in other parts of Ukraine’s occupied territory understand that Ukraine’s goal is only to make the continuation of the occupation as unbearable as possible for the occupier. And we are doing this. I would also like to highlight our operations against the Russian oil industry. They are very far from stabilization, although they are now trying to claim otherwise. This war must be ended, and only that can be a step toward normality. Today, I want to thank all our warriors, everyone fighting for Ukraine, especially in such difficult areas as the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions. Fighting also continues for Kostiantynivka, which Putin has already claimed for himself, but clearly, he will never risk showing up there. Because in reality, all he truly has is Moscow, St. Petersburg, and his residences. This is the greatest cynicism of this war: a person who relies only on his inner circle, on Moscow, and on his favorite residences is burning everything he can reach and killing even his own citizens, at least 30,000 a month, simply so that he alone can continue avoiding the decision on peace. This June, too, there were almost 30,000 confirmed losses among the Russian occupiers at the front – killed and severely wounded. The Center of Special Operations “Alpha” of the Security Service of Ukraine ranks first among our defenders in terms of successful target engagements. Thank you, warriors! We will provide more means for all our units, from deep strikes to those focused on mid-range strikes and frontline defense.
We are currently preparing for a serious discussion with our partners regarding new formats of sanctions against Russia and steps that can limit Russian revenues and its ability to wage war. Ukraine sees this prospect – what can be done. We must put pressure on Russia to achieve peace. Ukraine has already put forward all proposals, all diplomatic options, and we expect that over the coming months, the conditions for a dignified peace will be brought closer either by force or by diplomacy. I thank everyone who is helping! And separately, once again, congratulations to the Ukrainian Navy on today’s professional day, Ukrainian Navy Day! Thank you, guys, for defending Ukraine.
And one more point. Intelligence once again indicates that the Russians are preparing a new massive strike. This is typical of Putin: right after America’s Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara. Russia wants to bring more evil and kill people. Please stay safe and heed any air raid alerts. Separately, to partners: any delay with missiles for our air defense – missiles for Patriots – means the loss of lives, and it encourages Russia to continue the war. The world has the necessary quantity and quality of air defense. What is needed are your decisions to ensure real protection of lives in Ukraine. Above all, these are, of course, decisions by the United States, decisions by the strong countries in Europe and around the world. Please be active in your decisions and protect lives. Missiles for Patriots are needed not in warehouses right now, but in Patriot units in Ukraine. I thank everyone who is providing real help.
Glory to Ukraine!
