"The week was very productive, we have many good defensive and other solutions." Address by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the historic decision of the United States regarding joint production of weapons and defense systems and about bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries. "Good health to you, dear citizens of Ukraine!"

"The week was very productive, we have many good defensive and other solutions." Address by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky

Photo from president.gov.ua

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about a historic decision by the US regarding joint production of weapons and defense systems, as well as bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries.

"I wish you good health, dear Ukrainians!

It was a productive week. Very much so. We have many good defense and other decisions.

Defense packages. From the United States – this is artillery, needed shells, missiles for "HIMARS," missiles for air defense systems, additional air defense systems, tactical vehicles. And some other types of weapons that speak for themselves on the battlefield. From Canada, we have a decision on long-term defense support. The amount – half a billion US dollars. Specifically, this includes "medevacs" – evacuation vehicles that are very much needed at the front. We agreed on production and supply.

There is a historic decision by America regarding joint production of weapons and defense systems, including air defense systems. This was an absolute fantasy not long ago. But it will become reality. We will make this reality. Everyone who works for the state. And this is a new quality of Ukraine's defense industry – much stronger. And that’s also economy. Protection for our cities. Enterprises, new jobs for both our peoples – and for Ukrainians, and for Americans. We have a clear perspective – what we have already agreed on – of a new strength of Ukraine to prevent Russian aggressions from repeating. I am grateful to President Biden, his entire team, and everyone in America who values freedom and supports Ukraine.

I held very important meetings in Washington, in Congress – both parties, both chambers. There were many issues, much dialogue. Very sincere answers, absolute frankness and sincerity. And we specifically asked for this format of meetings and communication in Congress that is needed for the most detailed discussion. And thanks to this trust, it has increased, and I heard that support for Ukraine will be maintained.

Overall, there were many morally strong and important positions voiced in America – from the highest level to all those with whom the Ukrainian delegation worked. The same is true in Canada. Clear unity. There are new sanctions against Russia, and there will be even more sanction pressure.

We have economic agreements – both with governments and businesses. There is a decision on a free trade zone with Canada. In Washington – a memorandum regarding energy cooperation. In Ottawa – an agreement regarding the restoration of the Kakhovska HES and reconstruction of Kanivska. The obvious interest of large companies in working in Ukraine, both from the US and Canada. At the level of Ministry of Strategic Industries and Trade – mutual understanding with defense companies. And there is very important mutual understanding at the societal level – at the level of ordinary people who truly care about Ukraine and genuinely want us to win, and all Ukrainians – protection from Russian terror. When ordinary Americans say they pray for Ukraine, it really touches and adds strength to our relations.

Separately, I would like to thank Canada's government for its readiness to provide funding for the Holodomor-Genocide Museum, for expanding this museum. Symbolically, that Canada supports Ukraine in protecting historical memory. Thank you, Canada!

We have agreements with First Lady of Ukraine regarding support for veterans' rehabilitation, there is a corresponding Ukrainian-Canadian medical partnership. Olena expands access to Ukrainian culture at leading museums around the world, and now there is an agreement with the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Important meetings and appeals were made by Olena on the UN Plaza, especially those concerning protection of Ukrainian children during wartime.

Ukraine presented this year's vision for reforming a key UN institution – the Security Council. The Security Council is currently unable to stop aggressions and actually return peace due to an outdated veto system where there are no limits on abuse by the aggressor of the right to veto. This needs to be changed. And generally, more rights and opportunities need to be given in the UN to all nations that respect other nations and peace. I am confident the world supports our Ukrainian position.

And, of course, this week was fruitful in terms of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries as well. Thank you all for your support! And for being ready to work with Ukraine. Yes, it's a different scope of cooperation. Different directions. But it is a clear recognition that Ukraine has a future. Its own future. Strong and free.

And our soldiers. Boundless gratitude. I am proud of you! This week there are brigades to be honored, fighting both in the east and south. 5th Separate Assault Brigade and 80th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Thank you for your strength in battles near Klishchyvka! 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. Boys, I thank you! 15th Operational Purpose National Guard Brigade and 71st Separate Jager Brigade – thank you for real Ukrainian power in the battles around Verbove... 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade – just great guys!

Thank you to everyone fighting for Ukraine, on combat posts, on combat missions! Thank you to everyone who helps! Every week adds strength and opportunities to Ukraine. And so every week brings us closer to our victory.

Glory to Ukraine!"