President Zelenskyy: Speeding up partner decisions on funds from Russian assets

“The sense of justice – that Russian assets should work to defend against Russian aggression – is shared by all our partners. We need a common, effective mechanism,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on October 1.

Dear Ukrainians!

Today revolved specifically around military and defense issues almost all day long.

The already second Forum of Defense Industries worked today in Kyiv. Representatives of more than 30 countries and nearly three hundred companies – Ukrainian and leading foreign ones. For Ukraine, it is a matter of absolute principle that not only partner countries but also defense companies from around the world are increasingly interested in cooperating with us – with our defense sector. Some of the agreements are already implemented. Both on investment in defense production in Ukraine and on localization. Much more is being prepared. Ukraine is already producing things that we did not have before, which are the 155 calibers, and our long-range drones, our naval drones. We are creating a new base for the use of Western armored vehicles – it is both repair and maintenance. Good things are also being done to develop our missile program. And now it is very important to accelerate all this. I am grateful to everyone who understands this.

Today, I held meetings with the military leadership. Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Barhylevychh. On our brigades’ needs, on the frontline situation. We discussed the things that our partners can really enhance in the near future. There was a separate report by the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Budanov and Minister of Defense Umerov on how our intelligence assesses this year’s prospects, Russian intentions, the tasks the Kremlin is setting for their military. We clearly see the main guidelines for what exactly needs to be responded to and in what way.

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