Our Positions in the Donetsk Region Will Be Reinforced by Two Restructured Force Groupings – Address by the President

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, I am with our warriors who are defending our Zaporizhzhia region, defending our Donetsk region, our Dnipro region, and other very difficult sectors of the front. From last year through today, Ukrainian warriors have been conducting an important offensive operation in the Oleksandrivskyi sector – and much has been achieved. Today, I thanked our Airborne Assault Forces for the results. This is already one of our historic operations, one that has allowed us to prove that Ukrainians know how to achieve their goals and how to inflict significant losses on the Russians. The Oleksandrivskyi counteroffensive. Every step we take that drives the Russians back gives our people greater security and gives Ukraine more diplomatic opportunities to end this war with dignity. We will continue our active defense.

Together with Mykhailo Drapatyi, the General Staff, and Defense Minister Khmara, we determined the sequence of our next steps. First, our positions in the Donetsk region will be reinforced by two restructured force groupings, to be commanded by Hero of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko and Hero of Ukraine Andrii Biletskyi. Today, I awarded Andrii the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine. There was a report from the Commander of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Apostol. Thank you, Oleh, for the remarkable strength of the Airborne Assault Forces. I am proud of every warrior. The second important matter today was our discussion with commanders here in the Zaporizhzhia sector. There will be more of the necessary equipment. This concerns UGVs – decisions are needed to increase both production and procurement. There will also be decisions on a more systematic approach to mid-range strikes. The Minister, the Commander-in-Chief, and I agreed on the necessary personnel decisions. This is important. We also held a security meeting on the situation here in the city of Zaporizhzhia, in the region, and in the sectors on which Zaporizhzhia and our other cities and communities depend. Thank you to everyone who truly helps people and defends Ukraine.

And one more point.

Our work with the American side is ongoing – we are in close and detailed contact with them. We are doing everything to bring peace closer, and I thank everyone who is helping – everyone who is helping us limit Russia’s ability to prolong this war. Peace is needed. We are working to ensure there are strong steps in support of this.

Glory to Ukraine!