Our defenders of the sky - the Air Force and other branches of troops involved in the defense against terrorists' missiles and Shaheds - are doing a great job these days! They inspire not only us, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address.
"Our partners see what Ukrainians are capable of, what the weapons we have been given are capable of in our hands, and how effective we are when we act together for the sake of our common security. Ukrainians' success in defence against Russian aggression is definitely an antidote to other aggressions. The world needs to see that a free nation is capable of defending freedom from invaders. If we can do it, then others can do it. If they act as boldly, as accurately, and in the same unity with other free nations. I am grateful to each of our warriors who provides Ukraine with this result! I am grateful to every partner who helps our warriors with the weapons they need to be effective!" he said.
He particularly praised the 96th Kyiv air defence missile brigade.
"Of course, today, as always, I thank our troops who are fighting in the most fierce areas. Maryinka, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka... I thank each and every one who defends Ukraine there for their grit and resilience! The occupiers have again received some new tasks from their leaders to advance somewhere by a certain date... Well, this only means that despite any dates, our heroes will, as always, destroy the occupier," Zelenskyy said.
He said he held a meeting of the Staff. The commanders of operational directions, the Commander-in-Chief and the heads of intelligence delivered reports. Budanov's and Lytvynenko's reports were particularly thorough and relevant, and certain steps will be taken based on them – steps that will strengthen our defence.
"There were also reports on the training of our new units and the supply of ammunition. I held a meeting with the minister for strategic industries on ammunition. There is good news in this regard. Of course, now is not the time to make them public," the president said.
He also held several security meetings with government officials. The head of government, the first deputy prime minister, the interior minister, and other ministers.
"The first meeting concerned demining in Ukraine. As of now, more than 170,000 square kilometers of our territory are contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance. In general, this is estimated in terms of time rather badly – they say it will take decades to deal with such a threat. We have to do it much faster. We are also preparing a special system of actions that will help us demine the new territory faster after de-occupation. We are also actively working with partners to increase our capabilities. In terms of equipment, training of sappers and pyrotechnicians. We will cooperate with everyone in the world who has the experience, who has the technology, who has the financial capacity to support us to make Ukraine clear of Russian mines again," he said.
Another security meeting he held today concerned the development of a fundamental new security concept for Ukraine to comprehensively answer all security issues of the country
"May the victory over the current evil of ruscism be the best honour to the memory of those who fought and defeated Nazism! " Zelenskyy concluded.