"The world has no illusions about Russia": Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainian diplomats

The world has now shed its last naive illusions about Russia - illusions that have significantly hindered the defense of Ukraine. Just a few months ago, if many in the world had heard that Ukraine was planning an operation like the one in Kursk region, they would have said it was unrealistic and that it crossed the so-called "reddest of red lines" in Russia.

This was stated by President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This is why no one heard about such preparations from Ukraine. Now, the real success of our soldiers speaks for itself: our active defensive actions across the border and Putin's inability to protect his territory from these actions are very telling:

"Our active preemptive defense is the most effective way to counter Russian terror and to significantly complicate the situation for the aggressor state."

Zelenskyy adds that we are currently witnessing an extremely important ideological shift - the naive, illusory concept of so-called red lines regarding Russia, which prevailed in the assessments of the war by some partners, has crumbled in recent days somewhere near Sudzha:

"When our Ukrainian defenders act strongly and bravely, and when an operation is reliably prepared, Putin truly has nothing left. Now the world sees that this really works, not only in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine but also on Russian territory."

The world sees that everything in this war depends only on courage - ours and our partners’. On brave decisions for Ukraine, on the courage to support Ukraine and on brave actions - not just our actions. It is crucial that our partners synchronize with us in this determination, and then Russia will have no other option but to accept a just peace for Ukraine:

"We must compel the aggressor to peace by all means. I expect that Ukrainian diplomats will continue to persuade partners to support Ukraine as much as possible so that no shortages arise in anything."

These shortages are precisely the reason why Putin is still seeking ways to continue the war rather than peace. Zelenskyy believes that the restoration of a reliable peace for our land and people is not a matter of years or decades. It is exclusively a matter of our joint decisions with our partners. The current generation of political leaders in the world, working in countries that strive to live without wars and in accordance with international law, holds the key.

Long-range capability

The President emphasizes that if our partners lifted restrictions on the use of long-range weapons on Russian territory, we would not need to physically enter areas like Kursk to protect our Ukrainian citizens near the border and to destroy Russia's aggression potential. Military bases, airfields and logistics that enable Putin to avoid seeking peace are entirely legitimate targets for our Defense Forces:

"Ukraine is separated from stopping the advance of the Russian army at the front by just one decision that we expect from our partners regarding long-range capabilities. This is now the key defensive decision that must support our soldiers."

The way Putin has responded to the operation in Kursk region proves that there is no reason not to allow us to be truly strong and truly long-range. According to the Commander-in-Chief, the situation in Donetsk region is such that further delays by our partners in providing long-range capabilities are becoming one of the most significant supports of Russia's offensive potential.

Sanctions

Zelenskyy thanked all partners who defend the need for really strong sanctions against Russia. The sanctions shield must be able to respond to existing threats here and now, including their renewal. The existing sanctions have indeed constrained Russia's economy and the capabilities of Putin's regime, thereby making the passage of time work to limit aggression:

"However, Russia's shadow tanker fleet has become a new challenge. Russia's relations with regimes like those in Pyongyang and Tehran are creating new sources of threats, not only for Ukraine. Russia's nuclear industry is still being used by Moscow to maintain its spheres of influence globally. The Russian banking sector continues to have connections with the world."

This is why the expansion of sanctions, targeting new areas, is necessary.

Long-term agreements with partners

The Ukrainian government is actively working with partners on programs for long-term support of the country. This includes both military and financial support. Specifically, this pertains to Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex:

"We are capable of producing significantly more drones than our domestic production can currently finance. We are also continuously increasing the production of Ukrainian artillery and ammunition."

Further investments in our joint security are essential. The announced aid packages need to be felt promptly on the front lines and in forming reserves for our army. Unfortunately, logistics are currently lagging, and this affects agreements with leading partners.

The President also emphasizes that proper attention must be paid to the issue of Ukraine's reconstruction. We need specific projects.

The global Ukrainian community

Ukraine must become a genuine global center for the Ukrainian people. Our people are present in all parts of the world:

"We must recognize our nation globally. The goal is to unite all Ukrainians around Ukraine, to protect Ukraine and to strengthen our positions in the world. Therefore, we must enhance our institutional presence in partner countries."

This involves opening new consulates in Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and France. It is crucial in places where the Ukrainian community needs more attention. A new institution is also being prepared to ensure sufficient strength for global Ukrainian unity:

"Russia is using an enormous propaganda resource abroad. The educational, cultural and informational needs of Ukrainians in other countries require greater activity from our state."

Peace Summit

According to the Commander-in-Chief, the first summit was a success for Ukraine. The second event should take place this year, and appropriate efforts must be made for this. We need to expand the support for the communiqué of the first summit and continue working on the points of the Peace Formula.

The President also emphasized the following:

⦁ NATO – There should be a growing understanding that NATO will only be complete with Ukraine as a member.

⦁ European Union – The negotiation process for Ukraine's membership must be dynamic, as needed by Ukraine.

⦁ Black Sea Region – It should be free from the Russian military threat.

⦁ Africa – We need economic and security cooperation.

⦁ Latin America – There are positive results in working with Chile, Argentina and others.

⦁ Japan – We have achieved true strategic partnership.

⦁ Asian and Pacific Region – Ukraine must become a security donor and defender of international order.

"I am grateful to everyone who is working with all their might for our country and our people. We must all remain energetic in achieving victories for Ukraine and defending the interests of Ukrainians. Our work determines the weapons in the hands of our soldiers, the ambitions we can realize and the future awaiting Ukrainians. Every day defines what Ukraine will be like tomorrow," the President concluded.

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