Today at 13:27
Long life, Ukrainian heroes! Today we have the fifth day of Russia’s full-scale war against the people of Ukraine. We stand firm. During this time, we have experienced as much as other nations may not have lived in decades. For a long time, we have been told that Ukrainians are aren’t the right kind anyway. Are improper. Have to perform so-called “homework” for decades. That is why, we often did not notice our real capabilities. And now they have proven ourselves! And it’s inspiring. Each. Everyone.
In every conversation with our partners, I hear sincere respect. Ukrainians have shown the world who we really are. And Russia has shown what it has become. Just think about it: during the Russian invasion, in just four days, sixteen Ukrainian children died as a result of the Russian shelling. Sixteen! 45 children are injured.
Every crime, every shelling that the occupiers commit against us, unites us and our partners. Russia did not believe in such a solidary and powerful reaction. But Ukrainians have changed that story. The European Union has decided to supply us with weapons. We are grateful. Yesterday I spoke with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, about further, even stronger steps. Europeans are aware that our soldiers are fighting for our country and, consequently, for the whole of Europe. For peace for all European countries, for the lives of children, for equality, for democracy. And this gives us the full right to do the following.
We appeal to the European Union for Ukraine’s immediate accession under a new special procedure. We are grateful to our partners for being with us. But our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal. I’m sure that’s fair. I am sure we deserve it. I am sure that all this is possible.
Read also: This war became European one, – Ukraine’s Defense Minister
Yesterday, I spoke with the presidents of Portugal, Lithuania, France, and Poland. I am especially grateful to Andrzej Duda for our fruitful cooperation. I spoke with the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Spain, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. Support from our anti-war coalition is unconditional and unprecedented.
Europe has closed the skies to all Russian planes. Global business is renouncing any ties to Russian companies. Let’s see how this week will end for the Russian currency – the fall of the ruble. As long as this criminal invasion of Ukraine continues, the Russian state is suffering as if the hostilities are taking place on their territory. Why all this to you? Russian mothers, Russian teachers, Russian entrepreneurs, just ordinary people. For what?
Four and a half thousand Russian soldiers have already been killed. Why did you all come here? Why are the columns of your armored vehicles targeting us? Why do they come from our Crimea? From our Yalta, Yevpatoria, Sudak, Simferopol… These are not the names of military camps for tank-men. Once again: four and a half thousand Russian occupiers are killed. Throw away your equipment and go away. Don’t trust your commanders. Don’t trust your propagandists. Just save your lives. Just go away!
We dedicate every hour to strengthening our state. Anyone who can join the fight against the invaders must do it. Therefore, a decision was made – not easy from a moral point of view, but useful from the point of view of our protection. Under martial law, participants in hostilities – Ukrainians with real combat experience – will be released from custody and will be able to compensate for their guilt in the hottest spots of war. We cancel sanctions for some anti-terrorist operation veterans. Defense is now the key point!
When became the President, I said that each of us is the President. Because we are all responsible for our state. For our beautiful Ukraine. And now it has happened that each of us is a Warrior. The warrior is in his place. And I am confident that each of us will win.
