I wish you health, dear Ukrainians!

Today, the National Security and Defense Council held a special meeting with the participation of not only the central government, law enforcement officers and the military, but also representatives of the regions. All our regions were there, the largest cities, each of which prepared a specific plan: energy, critical infrastructure, logistics - for the next winter. Unfortunately, except for Kyiv, the capital was not ready. But we will overcome this challenge too. In fact, all regions now have one and the same task for the next winter, also for the nearest time: in the spring, the Russians are not going to reduce the number and cynicism of strikes, they are still preparing to strike at critical infrastructure. Of course, we went through this winter, some communities, some of our cities were able to achieve greater results in protection, in supporting people. Some did not cope at all, as we saw. Now we need to take all the best experience from the regions, detailed tasks for the military and our diplomacy, and implement two parts of the national strategy, namely - to prepare for strikes in the near future, to prepare for the next winter so that there are no disasters and problems like this winter. Alternatives to generation and heat supply, additional energy sources, real protection, taking into account the strength of all threats - all this must be there. Thank you to every region, thank you to every city leader, to all Ukrainian communities who have already presented their resilience plans. Thank you to the government for the work this winter and for the right approach to work for the next winter. There is something that we have to do at our level in Ukraine, specific work - and these are the biggest tasks - for communities and for the military. There are tasks regarding air defense and the construction of protective structures. It is also clear what to agree on with partners for the next heating season. I thank Naftogaz, all our Ukrainian energy companies, every repair crew, as well as Ukrzaliznytsia, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine - everyone who worked so that people could get through this winter. Ukraine received the necessary imports of both gas and electricity. We are increasing the relevant capabilities. Also, financial work with partners was established qualitatively. This should continue to be the case. Of course, now, due to the war with the Iranian regime, there are challenges both in terms of rising energy prices and in terms of the volumes of necessary supplies of air defense equipment for us, for Ukraine. But we must have sufficient answers to this too - all of us in the state must work together for this.

I spoke with Ursula von der Leyen, in particular on the situation around Iran and all the challenges. Also on our bilateral issues with the European Union. Ukraine is fulfilling its obligations, and we expect the same fair and sincere attitude towards Ukraine, towards the interests of our people.

I spoke today with the leaders of the countries that are currently under attack from Iran - with the President of the United Arab Emirates, with the Emir of Qatar. We will continue such diplomatic work with the Middle East and Gulf region. Ukraine stands in solidarity with all who oppose the spread of wars and violence. For decades, the Iranian regime has invested in what destroyed the lives of its neighbors and everyone else it could reach. It is on this basis that they became accomplices with the Russians in the war against Ukraine. Every "shaheed" in the Ukrainian sky proves that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its efforts to destroy life and people. It is important that the defenders of life prevail in this confrontation. At the level of our teams - the Ukrainian and the Emirates team, the Qatari team, and other states - we will determine how we can all together provide more protection for life. Ukrainian expertise in protection against “shaheeds” is currently the greatest in the world, and it is “shaheeds” that are the biggest challenge there, in the region. It is clear why there are so many appeals to Ukraine. But any such cooperation to protect our partners can only be without reducing our own potential here, in Ukraine. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, Russian strikes continue, protecting Ukrainians is the first priority. Thank you to everyone who is with Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!