This year poses a number of challenges – Zelenskyy on Ukraine and NATO

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this in an address following the results of a special meeting on the work of the Ukrainian authorities with NATO on compatibility and prospects for this year.

All our international experts were there, the Minister of Defence, the international team of the ministry. This year poses several fundamental questions for relations between Ukraine and NATO. In particular, this applies to the summit in Washington and many other aspects of interaction. Only with Ukraine in the Alliance can we count on real security in Europe,” he believes.

Zelenskyy said that he is proud of every Ukrainian soldier and all Ukrainian people who defend Ukraine and do everything to make normal life possible, despite Russian terror.

“From Kharkiv to the Chernihiv region, from positions in the Donetsk region to Odesa. I thank everyone who put their lives in the service of Ukraine. They definitely have to win. Glory to Ukraine,” said the head of the Ukrainian state.

I wish you health, dear Ukrainians!

Brief report for this day.

There was a rather lengthy and very detailed meeting with the military and officials regarding drones, all the necessary types of drones - from FPV to our attack drones, which show excellent results in deep strikes on Russia’s military potential. Today we talked about the nuances of production, support and financing, contracts, and the necessary flexibility in determining priorities. Exactly what the war requires must be produced by our military-industrial complex - as much as needed, on time, as needed. It is obvious that drones in this war will say one of the decisive words for victory, and this must be the Ukrainian word, Ukrainian drones, Ukrainian victory, therefore, we need more and more effective Ukrainian drones. We can provide this. We also spoke at the meeting today about electronic warfare systems. We now have a significant amount of Ukrainian developments, and a fairly strong desire of our manufacturers to strengthen our defense with electronic warfare. We provide state resources, the maximum necessary, and work on comprehensive solutions. Such decisions that will provide the necessary cover for the entire front. Everyone in the government of Ukraine, everyone in the Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, who is responsible for this direction of drones, clearly knows their tasks. Time and efficiency in completing tasks will be critical. And I am grateful to everyone who is working fully effectively in this direction.

Second. NATO. Today I held a special meeting on our work with the Alliance regarding compatibility and prospects for this year. All our international specialists were the Minister of Defence, the international team of the ministry. This year poses several fundamental questions for relations between Ukraine and NATO. In particular, this applies to the summit in Washington and many other aspects of interaction. Only with Ukraine in the Alliance can we count on real security in Europe.

Third. Today in the Mariinsky Palace, in the White Hall of Heroes of Ukraine, I presented the Order of the Golden Star to our soldiers and the relatives of the fallen Heroes. Our best warriors who distinguished themselves in battles in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv regions, and in the south of our state. Wherever Ukraine is fighting for its life, independence. Wherever our people show the best of Ukrainian.

I am proud of each of our warriors! I am proud of all our people who defend Ukraine and do everything to make a normal life possible, despite Russian terror. From Kharkiv to the Chernihiv region, from the positions of the Donetsk region to Odesa. I thank everyone who put their lives in the service of Ukraine. They definitely have to win.