Zelensky: “We must demonstrate that democracies are capable of protecting lives from all types of terror”
Photo: Office of the President
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, is convinced that it is Ukrainians who must prove that democracies are capable of protecting life from all forms of terror.
The President said this in a video message.
"I just spoke to the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Rishi Sunak. Of course, I informed him of the consequences of today's attack by Russian terrorists. Since the start of today, there have been almost one hundred missiles of different types, strategically aimed by the enemy to inflict maximum damage. It's a deliberate act of terror In just a few days between December 29th and now, Russia has used about 300 missiles and over 200 "Shahed" drones against Ukraine. Prior to Ukraine, no country in the world had ever successfully repulsed such combined attacks with the use of drones and missiles, including air-launched ballistic missiles. Only today, 10 Kinzhals were shot down," the President noted.
Zelensky thanked every soldier of the Air Force of Ukraine's armed forces, all fighters of mobile fire groups, every anti-aircraft gunner, and all those in the world who are already helping Ukraine with weapons to protect the sky.
"Each additional air defense system and missile saves more lives. It is here, in Ukraine, and with our air defense, that we must demonstrate that democracies are capable of protecting lives from all types of terror. If we fail to achieve this task in Ukraine now, Russian terror will further spread throughout Europe and beyond. The Russian leadership's sense of impunity, forged over decades of unrestricted authority, has already resulted in a lot of suffering and loss of life. Russia must confront the responsibility for taking lives as well as the power of those who protect them," the President emphasized.
He also thanked Britain for its readiness to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. In addition to defense cooperation and our joint actions in the defense against terror, Zelensky discussed the work on security guarantees for Ukraine and the implementation of the Peace Formula with Prime Minister Sunak.
According to Zelensky, just as our weapons must be sufficiently long-range, our diplomacy and our protection of international law and justice must be effective. This means involving the broadest possible range of international actors in joint work – we are working to ensure that the Peace Formula unites even more states and that security guarantees for Ukraine are as effective as possible. When Ukraine ends this war, stability and security must become indispensable.
Rescue operations are still ongoing after the morning and afternoon strikes. Rescue teams will work around the clock. 130 injured people will receive and have already received the necessary aid in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and all affected cities and districts.
As of this time, five people are known to have died from this massive attack.
"And our maximum gratitude – the gratitude of Ukraine – to all those who fight and work to expel the enemy from our land and to force Russia to end this war. Today, by the way, I signed a new decree on awarding our soldiers with state awards. 115 soldiers of the Armed Forces. 32nd, 54th, 93rd, 110th separate mechanized brigades, 17th separate tank brigade, 92nd separate assault brigade, 39th and 299th tactical aviation brigades. Thank you to everyone who is the strength of Ukraine!
And please, especially these days, pay attention to air alarms. These inhumans want to cause pain to Ukraine. It is essential to preserve life," concluded Zelensky.
