In his nightly address to the Ukrainian people, President Zelensky highlighted recent pledges by Ukraine’s allies to provide much needed heavy weapons, including armoured vehicles, Patriot missile systems, and drones.
“Now, our soldiers will have even more weapons, equipment, rounds, defense systems, which will make us much more prepared for any escalating plans of Russia and those strikes that the terrorist state inflicts, regardless of whether it is a holiday or a weekday.
“I thank everyone who helps us protect our country and Ukrainians!
“Since I visited the United States two weeks ago, there have already been more than 20 stages in our diplomatic marathon.
“It’s my communication with the leaders of Germany, Sweden, Japan, Croatia, Spain, Latvia, Turkey, France, Denmark, Romania, Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Israel, Greece and India. In addition, my first negotiations this year with the President of the European Commission. Also constant contact with US representatives. For example, today a delegation of the Senate was in Kyiv, and also a conversation between the defense minister of Ukraine and the secretary of defense of the United States was held.
“And today, a new package of US defense assistance for our country was announced – and a very powerful one!
“For the first time, we will get Bradley fighting vehicles – this is exactly what is needed. New guns and projectiles, including high-precision ones. New missiles. New drones. It’s timely and strong. The total amount of this support package from the United States is almost $3 billion.
“I thank President Biden, I thank the congressmen and all Americans who value freedom, and who know that freedom is worth protecting, and who heard Ukraine during my visit to Washington. We see absolutely concrete results of this visit and our negotiations.
“We now have a significant step forward by Germany to strengthen the security of not only Ukraine but also the whole of Europe, especially the entire region bordering Russia. Strengthening our air defenses is a direct de-escalation effort here and now. The fewer opportunities Russia has to terrorise peaceful cities, the less the overall potential of Russian aggression will be.
“I thank Chancellor Scholz for the decision to provide Ukraine with the Patriot air defense system! Together with the brilliant German IRIS-T, the Patriot system will make Ukrainian and European skies much safer.”
