The Ukrainian Team – the Political Members of the Negotiating Group – Is Already on the Way, and We Expect a Meeting This Saturday – Address by the President

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I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, I am already back in Kyiv after intensive visits to the United Kingdom and Spain. We have new defense agreements, which concern both weapons production and support for our entire society. We also presented to our partners the capabilities we have, so that our joint defense and joint actions can become stronger. We will continue this work. And it is evident that the need to coordinate efforts and to pool capabilities is now greater than ever.

The whole world is now watching the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region - the constant strikes by the Iranian regime against its neighbors are significantly destabilizing markets and critically important energy supply routes. Many around the world are now speaking about the protection of energy facilities, about the unacceptability of energy terror against people and entire countries, and about security at sea - freedom of navigation and safe trade routes. All of this is truly a global interest. And when you listen to these numerous statements from different countries, in many ways they are essentially repeating what Ukraine was saying back in 2022 and 2023 about Russia's aggressive actions. About the naval blockade of our ports, and about Russia's attempts to deprive us of access to global trade. For years, Russia has been doing to our energy sector exactly what the Iranian regime is now doing to infrastructure in its region. There can be no other motive behind such deliberate aggression against energy infrastructure - like Russia's strikes against our power plants, against our gas production, and like the current strikes by the Iranian regime against everyone around it - no other motive than to make nations suffer. And that is why it is so important that global cooperation, at least now, can deliver real security responses - responses for everyone, including Europe. The strikes by remnants of the Iranian regime against Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and other countries are, in fact, strikes against global stability and against European energy security. Ukraine is ready to contribute to joint security initiatives to stabilize the situation as quickly as possible. Ukraine has long been proposing the creation of realistic and effective tools to put those who block maritime trade routes, who destroy - simply destroy - normal navigation, and who destroy energy infrastructure in their place. Ukraine has come through this winter - through Russian strikes. The Middle East and the Gulf region have, in fact, faced the same kind of evil. It is no coincidence that Russia and the Iranian regime are helping each other. They must be stopped, and it is the responsibility of every leader to ensure real stability and guarantee security. Together, we are undoubtedly stronger.

This week, Rustem Umerov was in the key capitals of the Gulf region and has already reported on the results today. For now, by phone. Tomorrow, there will be a more substantive report online. There is an understanding of what new security agreements can be reached with countries in the region. There are concrete areas in which they can support us, Ukraine, support our defense - above all, air defense - and there are areas in which we can support them, and are already doing so. Ukrainian expert groups for protection against "shaheds" are already in the relevant countries, and there are daily reports on the progress of their missions.

It is also important that we have received signals from the U.S. side indicating readiness to continue working within the existing negotiation formats to bring an end to Russia's war against Ukraine. There has been a pause in the talks, and it is time to resume them. We are doing everything to ensure that the negotiations are genuinely substantive. The Ukrainian team - the political members of the negotiating group - is already on the way, and we expect a meeting this Saturday in the United States. Today, we spoke in detail about the negotiations with Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, and Davyd Arakhamiia. Sergiy Kyslytsya will also take part in the meetings. Our priority is to do everything possible to create the conditions for a dignified peace. I thank everyone who is helping with this.

A few more points.

I took part in a meeting of the European Council. The key points are entirely clear and fair. Europe has already made a decision on guarantees of financial stability - this is a €90 billion package for Ukraine for two years. And we expect this European decision will be implemented. Ukraine is in communication on this with representatives of the European Union. This is also important for our preparation for the next winter.

Today, I received a report from Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal - both on the situation in the energy system and on the measures we need to take. Resilience plans for all our Ukrainian regions have been approved. Everyone understands what needs to be done. Responsibility - at the government level, at the level of regions and communities - is very high.

Today, we also spoke with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko about financial support, in particular for preparations for the winter. But this all depends not only on Ukrainians. We quite rightly expect that Europe will stand with us and find a way to implement what has already been agreed.

I thank every leader who stands with us on these issues, because this is about protecting the lives of our people and preserving normal life. Thank you!

Glory to Ukraine!