Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to enhance support and protection for countries bordering the Russian Federation in his evening address. He highlighted that the threat of a new massive attack from Russia remains real and urged citizens to be vigilant and respond to danger.
This is reported by Finway
Defense of Ukraine and strikes on Russian infrastructure
Zelensky reported that Ukrainian forces maintain high interception rates of Shahed-type drones — 90-93%. Ukraine is actively working with international partners to expand the PURL program, which involves acquiring modern missile defense systems, including complexes for intercepting ballistic missiles.
The president specifically noted successful strikes on oil refining infrastructure, military facilities, and logistics centers in Russia, which significantly affect its war-fighting potential. Zelensky stressed that Russia could end the war with peace but deliberately prolongs it and threatens other countries in the region.
“Europe cannot afford to lose any of its peoples, to let any of its countries slip away. Armenia must be supported. Moldova must be supported. The Baltic States. Azerbaijan must be supported. We must find ways to support the people of Georgia, and this is a common European task. No one can be lost.”
Tensions in relations between Armenia and Russia
The president drew attention to recent statements from the Kremlin regarding Armenia, which came against the backdrop of Yerevan’s aspirations for Eurointegration. Zelensky emphasized that such statements from Russia pertain not only to Armenia but also to other neighboring countries that also need support and protection.
The head of state expressed confidence that the European Union’s position on security and partnership must be consistent and timely. He underscored the importance of developing joint defense production, modern competencies in the field of protection, as well as extensive economic ties between European countries.
Zelensky separately thanked Azerbaijan for its support of Ukraine’s energy sector and reported on the cooperation between Kyiv and Baku on security issues. He also called for continued support for Moldova, Armenia, the Baltic States, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, emphasizing that this is a common task for all of Europe.
At the same time, due to Yerevan’s course towards rapprochement with the West, relations between Armenia and Russia remain tense: Moscow criticizes the Armenian government for its pro-Western policies, and Russian authorities have imposed restrictions on the import of several Armenian goods.