Today I had a long discussion with military officials – the Commander-in-Chief, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. Many changes are underway in our air defense operations: in some regions, the way teams work is being almost completely reorganized – interceptors, mobile fire groups, and the entire short-range air defense component. But this is only one of the elements of defense that need changes, and the changes are coming. This also concerns oversight of the frontline supplies with drones, weapons, and, most importantly, personnel. People are indeed the key issue: their training and the actual replenishment of brigades. The Minister of Defense of Ukraine, together with the military command, is preparing the necessary decisions – measures that will strengthen Ukraine and solve existing problems. It’s too early to share the details publicly. Once the decisions are fully developed, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and our army will present them to the public.

Ukraine has never sought war. We agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, looked for opportunities for peace, and repeatedly offered the world ways to stop the strikes in the sky, on land, and at sea. But it is Russia that continually obstructs this process – manipulating, dragging out negotiations, terrorizing our people with airstrikes, and intensifying assaults along the front line. The war continues only because Moscow does not want it to end. Almost every day, Russian terrorists carry out hundreds of attacks on our critical and civilian infrastructure. This week alone, Russia has used more than 3,270 attack drones, 1,370 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 50 missiles of various types against Ukraine. We are constantly strengthening our defense and working with partners to enhance air defense: the PURL initiative, investments in Ukraine’s defense industry, bilateral and multilateral formats. Putin cannot be stopped with words – pressure is needed. The world sees that Russia responds to strength, which means that peace through strength can work. Ukraine will never grant terrorists any bounty for their crimes, and we count on our partners to uphold this very position. Decisive steps are needed from the United States, Europe, the G20 and G7 countries. Lives must be protected. I thank everyone who is helping in this effort.