We Continue Our Work with Partners and Expect Substantive Outcomes from the Talks in May – Address by the President

Dear Ukrainians!

I received a report from the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, on the work of our services that help Ukrainians in the aftermath of Russian strikes. Kherson came under brutal attack today: drones targeted civilian transport, and passenger minibuses were hit. Tragically, lives have been taken – my condolences to their families and loved ones. People have also been wounded, and all are receiving the necessary assistance.

In the Mykolaiv region, there was a strike on an energy infrastructure facility, also by a Russian drone. By morning, the electricity supply had been restored. There were also strikes in the Dnipro, Odesa, Sumy regions, and in Kharkiv, as well as in our other cities and communities. Our rescuers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine are operating swiftly across all sites, supported by the National Police. I would also like to commend our crews who carry out evacuations from areas of active hostilities.

Yesterday, there was also rather unusual activity along sections of the Ukraine–Belarus border – on the Belarusian side. We are closely documenting everything and keeping the situation under control. If necessary, we will react. Ukraine is ready to defend its people and its sovereignty. Everyone who is being drawn into any aggressive actions against Ukraine must understand this.

I’ve just had a good conversation with Prime Minister Fico of Slovakia. We value that Slovakia has taken steps to help unblock the European support package for Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia. It is important that we maintain strong bilateral relations with Slovakia, even when our views differ at times. We discussed possibilities for meetings and work at the intergovernmental level. I have instructed the team to work out all the details.

A few more points. We are preparing new sanctions decisions – several sanctions packages – for today and the near future. We continue our work with partners – in Europe, in the Middle East and the Gulf, and in other parts of the world – with everyone who can strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and provide Ukraine with greater economic strength. We expect substantive outcomes from the talks in May.

The Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported on our long-range capabilities – there have been important successful strikes. I asked him to thank the warriors for their achievements.

I thank everyone who stands with us, with Ukraine. I thank everyone who works for our state and fights for Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!