Zelenskyy returns home by train with new defense packages: President's address

On the evening of May 15, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, returning from a major European tour, traditionally addressed Ukrainians and talked about the main events of the day.

Zelenskyy noted that he is returning home from a major European tour with new defense packages.

He specified that during his visits he coordinated positions with allies before the G7 and the NATO summit in Vilnius.

"Our peace formula was discussed at all the meetings, and now there is more willingness of partners to follow the Ukrainian formula. There is more support for our accession to the EU, more understanding that Ukraine's accession to NATO will happen, it is inevitable," Zelenskyy emphasized.

"Italy - good talks with Giorgia, Madam Prime Minister. Meeting with the Pontiff, quite encouraging. Meeting with the President of Italy.

Germany - Mr. President Steinmeier, the meeting with Mr. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is particularly meaningful for our defense.

In addition to Berlin, we also visited Aachen. I was at the military base, inspected the Leopards, inspected the Marders, thanked our soldiers who are training on German equipment," the Head of State said.

Zelenskyy reminded that he received a weighty European award named after Charlemagne in Aachen on behalf of the Ukrainian people. He noted that for the first time in the hall where laureates are honored, the Ukrainian language was heard - in a speech. The President is convinced that Ukrainian will be one of the official languages of the European Union.

"France - meeting with Mr. President Macron. Long, useful negotiations. There is a new military package. Powerful. There are new political agreements.

Great Britain - meeting with Rishi, Mr. Prime Minister Sunak. Defense and the all-important British leadership in military coalitions.

I thank Italy for its help in protecting the lives of our people - from protecting the sky to preparing for the full reconstruction of Ukraine after hostilities.

Thank you to Germany for the largest defense package of 2.7 billion euros. Air defense systems "Iris" of various modifications, many missiles for them, guns, shells, armored vehicles...

In addition, Germany will support our country in the long term - there are 11 billion euros for this, purely for defense. Plus, Germany participates in the European Peace Fund, which strengthens our defense.

Thank you to France for new opportunities for our soldiers in countering Russian terror, and now is not the time to talk about details. Thank you for additional equipment, for additional armored vehicles. For help in consolidating partners.

Thank you to Britain for the agreement on training our pilots. We are forming a coalition to train pilots on modern Western aircraft. Britain - yes, Poland - yes, and I am confident that France will join, along with other partners. We continue to work on the coalition of fighter aircraft; we are making progress. Of course, I thank Britain for the long-range capabilities it provides to our soldiers, for their long-range capabilities," the Head of State concluded.

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