The Government of Our State Will Work on the Response Measures Needed Now to Counter Russia’s Tactics – Its Attempts to Wear Down Civilian Life in Ukraine – Address by the President

Dear Ukrainians!

I am receiving regular reports today from the Commander-in-Chief and the Air Force Commander on defense against Russian “shaheds.” We are also in detailed talks with our partners on additional air defense packages. Today, we have a decision from Germany: there will be additional air defense missiles. The Chancellor confirmed this to me today. Thank you, Friedrich. We are also working with other partners to address our entire range of needs. We’re doing everything we can to speed up manufacturers so that we can come up with our own systematic response to the new tactics and drones used by the Russians. Today, I spoke with representatives of Ukrainian businesses – those dealing with the biggest logistical challenges and ensuring the largest volumes of supplies. We agreed to expand the necessary support programs to ensure that people in our country have enough supplies. Of course, things are not easy for anyone right now, but the steps that can be taken are absolutely clear. In particular, expanding our 5-7-9% loans program – a real expansion, so that businesses, particularly those in logistics, can actually make use of the program. I expect the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Economy, together with the National Bank and the team of the Office, to prepare this decision. Every week, we will keep track of the existing needs of Ukrainian businesses – we will be in contact with them – the logistics and supply needs of cities and communities, and address all the issues that arise. Likewise, the Government of our state will work on the response measures needed now to counter Russia’s tactics – its attempts to wear down civilian life in Ukraine.

Today, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Koretskyi proposed some very specific changes that have become necessary. First, we will introduce a clearer definition of threats. At this stage of the war, an air raid siren that signals all types of aerial threats in the same way is outdated. We need to clearly indicate what the threat is and how people, businesses, government institutions, and local authorities should respond. The new response mechanism has been developed together with our military and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. There will be two threat levels – yellow and red. There must be an updated audio warning about the threat. At the yellow level, conditions must be ensured so that cities do not shut down. Accordingly, in Kyiv there will be more opportunities to keep the metro running, as well as more public transportation. This is the responsibility of the city authorities, and the city authorities have confirmed that they are ready to ensure this. Now, we need to review the format and time limits of the curfew so that both people and businesses have more opportunities to work and do everything necessary. It is important that other cities across our country also conduct an audit of how the curfew actually works and whether the response procedures in cities and communities should be reviewed in light of the threats we face. We agreed that the Cabinet of Ministers will work closely with businesses and regional and local authorities to keep decisions and responses as up-to-date as possible. I asked the Prime Minister to prepare programs for businesses that will allow us to provide more modular and mobile shelters as quickly as possible. City administrations must also do their part. There must be more shelters of different types. We need to make sure that people have protection. Next. We agreed with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Ihor Klymenko, that we will expand the capabilities of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine for modern emergency response. This includes fighting fires after strikes while air raid alerts are in effect, as well as other necessary response measures. I expect the Government to adopt the required decisions.

Today, I also sent two very important bills to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. They are absolutely timely. We need to put a complete end to such a phenomenon as scam call centers. Criminal liability will be strengthened for those who organize call centers, those who profit from them, and those who carry out this fraudulent activity in one way or another. Our law enforcement agencies are already taking the necessary steps, and we need to give them more legislative tools. I ask parliamentarians to consider these bills without delay.

And regarding today’s absolutely disgraceful situation involving certain units of the Security Service and Defense Intelligence of Ukraine that occurred in Kyiv. We spoke with Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko. The Prosecutor General and the State Bureau of Investigation will establish all the details – all testimony and statements from those involved in this incident will be checked, and the entire situation will be investigated step by step. There must be accountability, including personnel decisions by the heads of the special services, regarding those involved in what happened. And there must be internal investigations within both services. Shooting here in Ukraine is permitted only at Russian occupiers, in defense of Ukraine. Our state will never regard any other shootout as acceptable.

And one more thing.

We’re getting word that the first airlines have started to suspend flights to Russian airports following our announcement about the drone hazard that objectively exists in Russian airspace. This is the right and perfectly logical response to the facts as they are – to everything stemming from the war Putin doesn’t want to end. Lives must be protected. Ukraine has already officially informed international organizations and our partners about the real situation in Russian airspace. I thank everyone who defends our state, protects our people and normal life in Ukraine. I thank everyone who helps us overcome the challenges of this war.

Glory to Ukraine!