Ukraine, ‘Volunteers’ summit: €6.1 billion from the EU. Zelensky: ‘Kyiv will prevail’
Burnham and Costa visit the capital. The Pope’s envoy in Moscow. Debris from Russian drones strikes a nursery in Krasnodar: two dead
On the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people, stating that the country would continue to defend its independence despite the war. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine. Zelensky emphasised that the large-scale Russian invasion has been ongoing for 1,643 days and that, despite the difficulties, Ukrainians remain united. According to the president, the main mistake made by Vladimir Putin was failing to take the most important factor – the Ukrainian people – into account in his strategies.
The President thanked all those working in manufacturing facilities and contributing to the development of the defence industry, emphasising that Ukraine has already accomplished tasks that were initially considered impossible. He also stated that Ukraine’s air defence system shoots down over 90 per cent of Shahed drones and that Ukrainian forces have learnt to intercept Russian jet-powered drones as well. Zelensky then promised that Ukraine would work to counter Banderol drones and Russian ballistic missiles as well. ‘Our tenacity is beyond their capacity,’ he declared. The President concluded by saying he understood the Ukrainian people’s desire to live in peace and security, assuring them that ‘those times will inevitably come’.
Ukraine’s allies in the war against Russia are set to meet today to reaffirm their support for Kyiv and discuss how to put pressure on Moscow to halt the invasion, in talks that will symbolically take place on Ukraine’s Independence Day. French President Emmanuel Macron will co-chair the meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing.
“I have just arrived in Kyiv to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Day. I am proud to be here on such a significant day, to underline the EU’s unconditional support. Ukraine is a free and courageous nation. Its struggle is also our struggle,” said the President of the European Council Antonio Costa.
To mark Ukraine’s Independence Day, the European Commission has approved new defence contracts for Ukraine worth €6.1 billion. These funds are earmarked for air defence and anti-missile systems, missiles, ammunition and radar, confirming Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence and resilience in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. The EU executive announced this in a statement.
