Office of the President of Ukraine

It was a Kh-101 missile that struck a residential building in Kyiv, according to preliminary data. The missile was manufactured in the second quarter of this year. This means Russia is still importing the components, resources, and equipment necessary for missile production in circumvention of global sanctions. Stopping Russia’s sanctions evasion schemes must be a genuine priority for all our partners.

We are steadily advancing the issue of anti-ballistic capabilities production in Europe – we are forming an anti-ballistic coalition. This is something worth doing, and right now we are closer to a result than ever before. Thirteen countries and the Office of the NATO Secretary General were represented at today’s meeting at the level of NSAs on anti-ballistic solutions. Overall, Ukraine’s positions right now – on the frontline, in our long-range sanctions, and in our joint results with partners – are the strongest they have been in years.

The U.S. remains engaged in the diplomatic process. It is clear that the war in Iran is now drawing the greatest attention from America and the U.S. President, but there is a priority there, as well as the support of the American people: to end this war in Europe too. It is Russia’s war that is having a global impact on technological change – on the fierce development of the technology of warfare itself. Because of this Russian aggression, killings have become more large-scale, and threats more dangerous – especially everything related to drones. Many partners understand this – 20 countries are already working with Ukraine at various levels to conclude Drone Deals with us. We have already reached political arrangements with some countries – contracts with manufacturers will follow, and our military expertise is already yielding results. We will soon sign political agreements with some other countries. We have also begun preparations for the Drone Deal with Canada. This is a very significant expansion of our security cooperation. Both on the American track and in Europe, we are doing our best so that we can produce enough anti-ballistic missiles here in Ukraine or jointly with partners. This is our constant task – additional missiles for air defense.

Our contacts with the American side regarding guarantees for the implementation of the arrangements reached recently and announced by the President of the United States are ongoing. The prisoner exchange – 1,000 for 1,000 – is being prepared and must take place. The Americans assumed responsibility for these guarantees. Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters has handed over the lists for one thousand POWs to the Russian side. There was American mediation in reaching this arrangement on the exchange, and accordingly, we expect the American side to play an active role in ensuring it’s fulfilled.

Many new threats are coming from Russia right now. Although we have taken an entirely logical and clear position for the Russians – we will mirror their actions. Today, they began the day with shelling on the frontline, and there was assault activity. Drones are being used. Yesterday, they carried out even more air strikes. Our responses were in kind. What tomorrow brings depends on what we hear today.

The Russians want Ukraine’s permission to hold their parade – so they can safely take to the square for an hour once a year, and then go back to killing *our* people and waging war. The Russians are already talking about strikes after May 9. A strange and certainly twisted logic from the Russian leadership. There are also messages from some states close to Russia that their representatives intend to be in Moscow. An odd desire at a time like this. We do not recommend it.

Yesterday, there was rather unusual activity along sections of the Ukraine–Belarus border – on the Belarusian side. We are closely documenting everything and keeping the situation under control. If necessary, we will react. Ukraine is ready to defend its people and its sovereignty. Everyone who is being drawn into any aggressive actions against Ukraine must understand this.

We will continue to seek additional opportunities to strengthen Ukraine’s defense through cooperation with countries we have previously engaged with less. We are bringing Ukraine’s expertise in defense to the global level. Every Ukrainian company, all our manufacturers and developers, and the experience of our military in defense operations – all of this is a major Ukrainian asset.

I have signed another Ukrainian sanctions package, targeting in particular entities in Belarus. This is a signal to many of our partners about where pressure should be applied to reduce the scale and intensity of this war. Belarus must not be drawn into this war. There must be no operations against other European countries. And Russia’s war against Ukraine must end in a dignified peace.

Our special format of cooperation with partners – the Drone Deals – is already underway with countries across three regions: the Middle East and the Gulf, Europe, and the Caucasus. A proposal is also on the table for our American partners. This covers drones, defense systems, and other types of weapons that are essential for building real protection in the air, on land, and at sea. Once again, the terms must be beneficial for Ukraine, there must be clear oversight, and the proceeds from exports must strengthen Ukraine’s defense. That is the way it will be.