Zelenskyy: "Putin is testing the world" with the audacity of his strikes on Ukraine

Zelenskyy: "Putin is testing the world" with the audacity of his strikes on Ukraine

The Russian Federation is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine, and these strikes are becoming increasingly brazen. And it is obvious. This is a clear sign that Vladimir Putin is testing the world.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this in his traditional address at the end of the day on September 7. He emphasized that it is important that there is a broad reaction from partners to this strike today. And we need to understand whether they will accept it or come to terms with it.

"Therefore, it is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions are followed by strong actions. Sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with the Russian Federation, and strong tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. This is what is convincing. And also – our long-range capabilities. Putin does not want to negotiate, clearly avoids them, so a shortage of gasoline in Russia and other economic troubles are a logical response to Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting of leaders," the President emphasized.

Key points from the address

– Currently, in our cities – in Kyiv, Sumy, and other cities and communities – assistance is being provided to the injured after the Russian strike. The geography of the strikes over the past day includes Kyiv, Sumy, Kremenchuk, Odesa, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhya. In Kyiv, rubble is still being cleared – there may be bodies of the deceased under it. The Cabinet of Ministers building has been damaged. At this time, it is known that more than four dozen people have been injured across the country, 20 of them in Kyiv. My condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. In total, in the capital alone, the air raid alert lasted more than seven and a half hours, and Kyiv was one of the main targets for Russian drones.

– In just one past night, there were more than 400 "Shaheds," with the total number of drones in that strike amounting to 810. That means almost half of them are drones that Russians use to complicate the air situation and overload air defenses.

– There were also missiles, including ballistic ones. A significant portion was shot down by our soldiers, which is a substantial result. There are results regarding interceptor drones: during this night, the majority of interceptions exceeded one and a half hundred. Units of electronic warfare, army aviation, mobile fire groups, Air Force fighters, and anti-aircraft gunners also performed well. Thanks to everyone. Of course, not everything is shot down yet, and we need to further strengthen our air defense. This is a priority task.

– Russians keep the number of "Shaheds" in massive strikes at a level of 300–400 per such strike; our interceptors must reach a corresponding indicator. This is realistic – the production potential exists, finances and contracts are in place and secured, and the necessary scaling of relevant units is needed. Thanks to everyone in the Defence Forces who is carrying out this task, and thanks to everyone who helps: every volunteer, every company. Developing this interceptor technology, implementing it, training crews – all of this means saving lives.

– In the near future, there will be a meeting in the "Ramstein" format – today, with Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, we discussed preparations and priorities for negotiations at "Ramstein." We expect new support packages. Today, Rustem Umerov reported to me – we are preparing a Staff meeting in the coming days specifically on the technological aspects of our defense and our long-range actions.

– I spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron. I thanked him for the support and coordination, our steps to pressure Russia, and for Europeans to do more together to end this war.

– I also communicated with Mark Rutte today. There have already been many reactions from leaders, heads of government, and heads of international organizations – thank you to everyone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is informing all partners about the latest Russian escalation. We count on a strong reaction from America. This is what is needed.

– Today is the Day of Military Intelligence of Ukraine. I thank you, guys, for your strength and for all your successful operations. I especially want to thank you for the operation in the Black Sea, which opened maritime export corridors for Ukraine. Thank you for the necessary information. Respect to our intelligence officers. And we always remember the fallen heroes.