2023-04-22 01:30:00
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to suggest to his compatriots, in his speech on Friday night, that the expected Ukrainian counter-offensive is imminent, asking them to remain united and mobilize, stressing that the front line is the number one priority, that attention is focused on defense and that new forces are being prepared “that will prove their worth on the front”.
Volodymyr ZelenskyPhoto: ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia
“Everyone in Ukraine must understand that the main task of the state is to rob our territories, to return our lands and people from Russian captivity”, declared the Ukrainian leader. “State resources are primarily focused on this task. And I am grateful to all those who help”, Volodimir Zelenski pointed out, according to News.ro.
“Now, just like last year, we must all remain united, mobilized and fully focused on defense,” insisted the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky told Ukrainians that he had a meeting with top military leaders and intelligence chiefs on Friday, with whom he discussed the missile program and ammunition issues in detail. “We constantly and very carefully analyze the conduct of hostilities, the hottest and all potentially dangerous areas. The front line is the number one priority,” Zelenskiy said.
“Also, we are actively training new brigades and units that will prove their worth on the front. The problems related to their support, training and integration in the general defense plan are discussed during the General Staff meetings”, said the leader from Kiev.
“Today, I would like to thank each of you who work in state-owned defense enterprises and in the entrepreneurial sector, who are involved in the production of weapons and ammunition, drones, as well as all those who repair equipment and create new equipment, including for demining. We thank you for the fact that, despite everything, Ukraine is increasing its production potential in the field of defense,” Zelensky emphasized.
In this context, the president mentioned the meeting of the Contact Group for the defense of Ukraine that took place on Friday in Ramstein. “I am grateful to those partners whose determination is fully in line with the actual situation and needs on the battlefield. I am waiting for the defense minister’s report on the results of Ramstein,” Zelenskiy said.
He also stated that he spoke with the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, who is visiting Kiev, showing that “every investment made now, every job saved or created in Ukraine, every economic project implemented is also a defense “.
“And when it comes to protection, speed is of the essence,” added Zelenski.
“Ukraine and our soldiers have no time for formal politics and any impractical things. Every event, every negotiation and meeting must provide concrete assistance for defense, must specifically strengthen our soldiers and protect our values,” the Ukrainian leader emphasized.
At the same time, he told his compatriots that they must be prepared “for any scenario”.
“Weapons and ammunition for our soldiers, resilience for our economy, real preparation for any scenario – all this is absolutely substantial,” Zelenskiy pointed out.
He ended his speech by thanking the Ukrainian soldiers and highlighted the “courageous actions” of an assault brigade fighting in Bahmut, and in the Lîman direction he mentioned another brigade that he thanked for. “firmness and safe maintenance of the position”.
At the same time, Zelensky thanked an anti-aircraft missile brigade from Kiev “for accuracy”.
“Thank you to all those who are now on the ground, in the trenches, on combat missions! Thanks to everyone who helps the front line! And please remember those who gave their lives defending Ukraine and Ukrainians. May our heroes be remembered!”, the Ukrainian president concluded his speech.
With all eyes on the expected Ukrainian counteroffensive, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar emphasized on Wednesday that Ukraine will not make a specific announcement related to its date, and the plans will remain classified.
“It is important to understand that there will not be a day when the armed forces will say: tomorrow we will launch a counteroffensive,” Maliar told Ukrainian national television on Wednesday.
The counter-offensive will not involve only a few operations, but rather a wider effort in order to achieve the strategic goal of liberating the entire Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation, added Maliar, stating that this involves training the Ukrainian forces in terms of equipment and multiple plans as options.
“The plan is ultimately chosen so that the enemy does not have time to react to it,” she pointed out. “We must understand that the armed forces are constantly preparing, daily, for the complete liberation of our territories. And this requires a huge set of measures, not just a counteroffensive,” explained Hanna Maliar.
___
#VIDEO #Zelenski #maintain #unity #mobilization #total #focus #defense