This is purely an atrocity: Zelenskyy plans to agree on new air defence systems after Russian strike on Dnipro
Ukraine plans to accelerate the delivery of new air defence systems following Russia’s strike on the Dnipro River.
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his address on the evening of 26 May.
He said that he had begun video recording the address following the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s meeting.
– “The questions are obvious. The frontline, our defence and our active actions, the provision of weapons and ammunition, equipment to our soldiers. Air defence and protection against terror,” Zelenskyy said.
The President added that throughout the day he receives reports on the situation in Dnipro and the liquidation of the consequences of another Russian attack.
– “This is purely an atrocity: a Russian missile, ballistics – against a hospital and a veterinary clinic. Absolutely sick creatures,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that as of this minute, two people had been killed in the strike.
– “My condolences to the families and friends! The rubble is still being cleared. More than 30 people are injured, including two children,” the head of state said.
The Ukrainian leader said that the authorities intend to do everything possible and impossible to speed up the supply of more and better air defence systems to Ukraine, which is literally a daily issue for work with partners.
– This week we have also made significant progress on modern aviation for Ukraine, which will be a key component of our air defence. And we are moving faster in the modernisation of defence than we could have predicted six months ago,” he said.
The President added that the Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, had made an important report on the relevant areas in Donbas.
– “Our soldiers are doing incredible things there, and every position recaptured from the occupiers, every height occupied by our forces is a new argument for the world that Ukraine can win,” he said.
The President said that he had also been briefed by Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov on the outcome of the Ramstein meeting, which Zelenskyy called “good results”.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that during the day he also had a meeting with international relations experts on the movement towards NATO.
– “We must use – and will use – every opportunity this month and next month, this year in general, to fill our relations with the Alliance with real political content,” he said.
Separately, the President spoke about his conversation with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who is one of the most influential and experienced US politicians. Zelenskyy said that he had discussed with the US senator the current situation in Ukraine’s defence, as well as the needs of the state in the near future.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is preparing several international appeals to increase support for the state both among its traditional allies and partners and in the countries of the Global South.
Separately, the Ukrainian leader announced a meeting on new sanctions to be imposed on those who contribute to Russian aggression.
The President of Ukraine also informed that today Georgia celebrates its Independence Day.
– “I congratulate all the people of Georgia and wish them to be together with us and all other nations of Europe in a free, peaceful and united European family. I wish this for all of Georgia – and for those parts of your country that are still under Russian occupation. For now!” he said.
He added that Georgia is one of the oldest and most respected historical forces that cannot be defeated.
