President Zelenskyy: All deep-strike targets must be secured by year-end

“I have already spoken today with the representative of Croatia – the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense – about the next defense package and European programs supporting defense production,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on Oct. 27.

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

I held a Staff meeting today – much of the discussion focused on our long-range sanctions against Russia and the results of our responses to Russian attacks. In particular, we spoke with manufacturers of weapons – weapons for deep strikes. This is the right format for a Staff meeting – bringing together manufacturers, those responsible for the effective employment of our drones and missiles, those in charge of funding, as well as diplomats. We are providing three-year contracts for the most effective manufacturers. We are expanding this long-contract approach so that both manufacturers and our army have greater certainty. At every Staff meeting, I will check the pace of contracting: this must be implemented. Under any scenario, Ukraine must always – and will always – have sufficient long-range capabilities. Both now, in wartime, and no less afterward – as part of the security guarantees for our future, for our children. Long-range capability is a component of independence and will be the greatest component for ensuring peace.

Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine