There Will Be Additional Contracts for Systems to Strengthen Protection of the Railways, Border Crossings, and Other Ukrzaliznytsia Facilities; The Decisions on This Are Already in Place – Address by the President

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians.

Today, there is good news about interceptors against jet-powered “shaheds.” Another solution is undergoing testing. It’s our Ukrainian solution – and there has been a successful interception, a “shahed” was hit. But some technical aspects still need to be refined. It will take some more time. Our other developers are also continuing their work. We are waiting for a working tool. It is very important that we have enough of every form of protection against attack drones. Right now, we are also using our combat aviation – fighter jets and helicopters – to the fullest to provide cover for our cities and villages. The interceptor crews dealing with regular “shaheds” have also been effective. Last night, the “shahed” interception rate was 93%. That’s significant, but of course, we need more. We are directing as many state resources and state funding as needed to this effort to provide all the weapons we need.

Today, I held a Staff meeting, and it focused specifically on protecting critical infrastructure, our energy system, and logistics. A lot of attention, of course, was given to the railways. I want to specifically thank all our employees of Ukrzaliznytsia for their truly professional and courageous work. Even though the Russians consider our railways one of their top targets, Ukrzaliznytsia is operating at a high level. Despite delays, despite strikes, and despite all the damage, we are keeping our logistics running. There will be additional contracts for systems to strengthen protection of the railways, border crossings, and other Ukrzaliznytsia facilities. The decisions on this are already in place. We spoke with the Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Finance about finding a way for our state-owned banks to support our state logistics system. This is not an abstract matter – this is about Ukraine’s life.

Today, Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi and I also spoke with representatives of Ukraine’s agricultural sector. I am grateful to everyone in the sector for the work they are doing for Ukraine – literally, for our national interests. This year’s harvest in Ukraine is even larger than last year’s, and our food exports can be substantial. Russian strikes on ports, food infrastructure, and logistics are causing major problems. There will be state measures to support the agricultural sector, and we discussed what exactly is needed: loans, state regulation and relief from inspections, and support for insurance. Government officials must prepare all the decisions. We are working actively with our partners to find a diplomatic solution in support of our food exports. This isn't just our issue – in fact, dozens of other countries depend on food exports from Ukraine. I am grateful to every partner who is helping right now, and Egypt, India, Türkiye, and Arab states are already involved. Everyone sees how important our exports are and understands that it is together with Ukraine that the issue of food security can be resolved and a cost-of-living crisis can be prevented in countries where social stability means security both for those countries and for Europe. Our diplomats have been given instructions on this, and we expect the corresponding results. In the coming weeks, we may be able to achieve the result we all need. First and foremost, it depends on whether our partners have enough desire to move forward with steps to de-escalate this war and, ultimately, toward peace.

And one more thing.

I am grateful to all the Members of Parliament who voted positively in the Verkhovna Rada today. The personnel decision on the Prosecutor General has been approved, and the parliamentarians also supported tougher criminal penalties for scam call centers and bank fraud. And accountability must work in a way that prevents such cases. Also, a number of bills are scheduled for this week that, to be honest, mean money for Ukraine from our partners. Seven bills are on the agenda. Most of them are in their first reading, but each one is needed to close the state budget gap. These are matters of national importance. They concern everyone – absolutely everyone – in Ukraine, not someone individually, not any particular party, group, or person. Some of these things may be difficult, unpleasant, and unpopular. But right now, without them, it is impossible to meet the full needs of our defense and ensure Ukraine’s resilience. Ukraine is bigger than any party, any interest, or any PR strategy. The gap must be closed. That’s billions of dollars that Ukraine can get specifically from positive votes. And I ask everyone in our country to be equally effective for the sake of Ukraine. I thank everyone who is helping.

Glory to Ukraine!