Zelenskyy on the situation at the front: Syrskyi is in combat positions and working in key places
Western partners, including the United States, should significantly accelerate the supply of military assistance to Ukraine.
At the same time, Ukraine is actively preparing for the Global Peace Summit to be held in June 2024.
This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a video address on 14 May.
He began by saying that today has given Ukraine more opportunities.
The situation at the frontline
First of all, the Head of State noted the report of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi on the situation in the combat areas.
– “Donetsk and Kharkiv regions are where it is most difficult now. He (the Chief of the Armed Forces – Ed.) is in the key places of fighting – working with brigades, in combat positions. It is too early to draw conclusions, but the situation is under control,” the President said.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that the soldiers of the Defence Forces are currently destroying the occupier, who is trying to advance.
– “Everything is quite tense. But we have strengthened the areas, including Kharkiv. Now many soldiers – Kharkiv residents – are defending the Kharkiv region. They are doing their job, and I thank everyone for their efficiency,” the president said.
Meeting between Zelenskyy and Blinken
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that he had a number of international talks today.
Thus, the President met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, during which they primarily discussed the defence of Ukraine.
The conversation with the top US diplomat also touched on US defence support.
– We need a noticeable acceleration of supplies. Now too much time passes between the announcement of packages and the actual appearance of weapons on the frontline. It is important to implement decisions and logistics more quickly,” Zelenskyy stressed.
In addition, the President said that he had discussed with the US Secretary of State the supply of air defence equipment to Ukraine, which is needed, in particular, to protect Kharkiv and Kharkiv region.
– “If we had already received two Patriots for this particular region, it would have given us a different situation in the war in general. It is crucial to increase the potential of our air defence, our aviation, including the expansion of the coalition of fighters, accelerate training and supplies to provide protection against Russian terror,” the Head of State stressed.
He thanked each of Ukraine’s partners, “who understands this and is really trying to help”.
The Head of State said he had discussed with Anthony Blinken America’s participation in the preparation and holding of the Peace Summit, as well as US efforts to “make the world more represented and make the summit more effective”.
Zelenskyy’s conversation with Macron
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke about his “long and quite detailed” conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, which lasted “almost two hours”.
– I informed him about the situation on the battlefield, our prospects, the needs of our soldiers. Emmanuel, Mr President, confirmed his participation in the Peace Summit,” he said.
Talks with the President of Korea
The Head of State also recalled a phone conversation with the President of the Republic of Korea during which the parties discussed Korea’s participation in the Peace Summit.
– I am grateful that the Republic of Korea has accepted the invitation to the Summit. We also discussed our bilateral relations and assistance to Ukraine, in particular in those areas where we already have results,” he said.
Preparing for the Peace Summit
According to Zelenskyy, during the first weeks of the “marathon preparation” for the Peace Summit, he personally invited almost 30 leaders.
– “We have many confirmations of the participation of leaders from different regions, from different parts of the world. And this is important – it is important to maintain the consolidation of the world for the sake of a just peace. When it works for Ukraine, it can work for any country that is subject to aggression,” he said.
Ukraine’s path to NATO
At the end of his address, the Head of State touched upon the topic of NATO and Ukraine.
According to the president, Ukraine is preparing and the Ukrainian government is preparing its position for the summit of the bloc, which is scheduled to take place in Washington this summer.
– The International Working Group on Security Issues and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, a group headed by Andriy Yermak and Anders Fogh Rasmussen, presented its report. A report that will be available to all decision-makers in the Alliance who can influence the strengthening of NATO. A report on the prospects of Ukraine, on the need for really strong decisions in order not only to end this war, but to deprive any wars in our region and throughout Europe of the ground,” he said.
To do this, Zelenskyy added, “the security deficit in Europe must be eliminated” and, in particular, “the security deficit for Ukraine”.
