President Zelenskyy: Officials must propose bold, flexible plans to protect lives

“We must focus on the situation inside the country. Every official, local authorities, all heads of state-owned companies and energy companies – everyone must be right here, in Ukraine, working in cities, in villages, in the areas where restoration and protection are needed,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on Jan. 20.

Dear Ukrainians!

I have just held a special coordination call on the situation in the regions – on recovery efforts, and the deployment of necessary resources. Kyiv is in the hardest situation. This morning, once again, “shahed” drones struck an energy facility in the region. Repair crews are working now. The performance of the Air Force against the “shaheds” is unsatisfactory: we have interceptors, significant forces are engaged – mobile fire groups, F-16s are available – but the organization of Air Force operations must be different. We reviewed this situation separately with the Minister of Defense – conclusions will be drawn.

I spoke with our delegation – Umerov, Budanov, Arakhamiia. They are actively working with the American side, working with European representatives on potential meetings and support packages. Air defense missiles are needed daily. Weapons are needed daily. Equipment for recovery and reserves is needed daily. If the Davos format delivers this – real results for Ukraine – Ukraine will be represented there. No one needs empty politics or talks with no results.

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