diego garcia

Today there was an important briefing on the results of our deep strikes in September and October. I am grateful to all our warriors for their precision and for consistently and effectively enforcing Ukraine's long-range sanctions. Every Russian strike on our cities and communities always gets our fully justified response. Russian facilities along a line stretching from Yamal to Western Siberia are now within range of our deep strikes, and we are working to ensure that our drones and missiles can reach even more distant parts of Russian territory. We have set key priorities for the further use of Ukraine's long-range capabilities. Our deep-strike units will also be expanded, drawing on the capabilities of the Security Service of Ukraine, particularly its Alpha Special Operations Center, as well as our intelligence agencies and other components of Ukraine's Defense Forces. Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities are one of the real guarantees of our independence now, during this war, and they will remain one of our long-term security guarantees after it ends. We are building up our strength. Today I also spoke with the manufacturers of these weapons. Glory to Ukraine!

A good meeting with UK Prime Minister @AndyBurnham in London. We value our partnership and continue working together for security. I briefed Andy in detail on Russian attacks against our cities, our people, and critical infrastructure. Wave after wave of drone attacks throughout the day and night today. Russia launched 124 drones overnight alone, and another 145 during the day. And right now, there are still more than 40 “shaheds” in our skies. They attack energy infrastructure, logistics, and railways. We managed to shoot down a significant number of the drones, but some got through. In terms of scale, this is one of the largest attacks. It is clear that the Russians are trying to take advantage of the problems with Starlink in Ukraine, as our interceptor drones depend on this connection among other things. That is why it is especially important right now to strengthen our air defenses and provide Ukraine with everything it needs to protect lives. Today, a decision was made to accelerate deliveries of British-made air defense systems to Ukraine to counter jet-powered “shaheds.” And I am very grateful for this timely and much-needed assistance. I thank Andy, the people of the United Kingdom, the government, and His Majesty for their solidarity and support for our country during this brutal Russian war.

Today, we have taken yet another important step on our path toward EU accession by opening Clusters 2 and 3. Thank you to @MichealMartinTD, @eucopresident, @vonderleyen, and every EU Member State for their support. I am deeply grateful to everyone who fights for Ukraine and works in the interests of our state, for its European future, and for Europe’s security. Together, we are a stronger Europe. It is important that all of us build on this momentum to open the remaining two clusters by the end of the year so that all six negotiating clusters are opened. Ukraine deserves this. Thank you to everyone who supports Ukraine!

Since last evening and up to now, the Russians have attacked Ukraine with more than a hundred different weapons – jet-powered drones, loitering munitions, and ballistic missiles. A significant portion of these strike assets were shot down. But unfortunately, not all of them. An ordinary residential building was destroyed in Kharkiv; the rescue operation continued virtually all night as first responders searched for people under the rubble. Four people were killed in this strike on the building in Kharkiv. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. In Kharkiv alone, 41 people were injured in just one evening. There was also a particularly vile ballistic missile strike on Kyiv – five missiles that hit civilian infrastructure. Unfortunately, we received no early warning from our partners about this strike. Intelligence on Russian ballistic missile launches helps save lives, and this is one of the most critical issues. This is precisely what helps prevent people from being killed – when there is an early warning about ballistic missiles. Ukraine has not carried out strikes on Russian oil refineries or the energy sector in general for the two days since the American President announced an energy ceasefire. But Russia did not heed the American President. During this time, the Russians have attacked both our energy facilities and our critical infrastructure, sending absolutely clear signals that they have no intention of refraining from strikes on Ukraine. Nineteen regions of our country have come under attack in these two days alone. Our position remains unchanged: Ukraine is ready for reciprocal steps toward de-escalation, and effective pressure on Russia is needed to make de-escalation happen. Wars end when the aggressor realizes that it cannot prolong the war. Global pressure on Russia contributes to exactly that – bringing peace closer. But direct or indirect support for Russia, slowing down assistance to Ukraine, and making it harder to protect lives against ballistic missiles will certainly not help bring peace. Everyone needs peace. A strong America, a strong Europe, and strong partners are needed. Thank you to everyone who is truly helping!