“We are working on a new security architecture that Ukraine, the whole of Europe and the entire Euro-Atlantic region need,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on January 30.
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Briefly about this day.
I have just spoken with the President of Finland. We had a very cordial conversation. I thanked him for supporting Ukraine, our people, and our defense. I mentioned how much Finland has done for its own security and for the security of the whole of Europe – historic things indeed. We have meaningful bilateral cooperation, the most extensive one since Ukraine gained its independence. We also emphasized how important it is for our states and all our partners to remain principled in their relations in European and Euro-Atlantic structures with regard to our region, the eastern flank of Europe.
I had a meeting with Anders Fogh Rasmussen – we are working together on a new security architecture that Ukraine, the whole of Europe, and the entire Euro-Atlantic region need. Mr. Rasmussen, with his experience as NATO Secretary General, helped Ukraine with the security commitment system: its philosophy and possible framework were developed in an expert group headed by Rasmussen and Andriy Yermak.
We now have a community of 32 states that have joined the G7 Declaration on security commitments, as well as the first bilateral agreement – with the UK. There will also be new agreements. We are now finalizing the text of several documents. This work is very important.
And now Mr. Rasmussen has outlined plans to establish a new international task force to address the issue of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Bringing our country closer to full membership in NATO is an unchanging priority. We are gradually fulfilling it.
Today, I also held a meeting with the Ministry of Strategic Industries. Oleksandr Kamyshin reported on the results in the production of drones and ammunition. We are ramping up production. It is very important that we are adding new positions and the adoption of new weapon models is underway. Domestic production of drones, shells, and military vehicles is literally the production of our freedom, the freedom of Ukrainians and Ukraine. Because in such conditions of a full-scale war, it is force that is the basis of freedom. And I am grateful to all the employees of our defense industry who ensure this – ensure Ukrainian strength – with their work for the sake of defense. I thank you all! And by the way, today the Minister reported separately on the production of long-range drones, which is one of the key tasks for the defense industry.
Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine
