I had a detailed discussion with Ursula @vonderleyen on how to ensure our country’s financial resilience this year and next. We are grateful for the EU’s decision on the €90 billion loan, and Ukraine is meeting its commitments under the loan to cover as much of the budget gap as possible. We agreed that our teams will work on other ways to provide financial support as well. We also discussed sanctions. At a time when Russia is carrying out brutal attacks on our people – and even now, during the UN General Assembly, air raid alerts are ongoing in many regions because of drones and ballistic missiles – signals about lifting sanctions on individual Russian oligarchs are self-defeating and counterproductive. Wars end through resolve and strength, not concessions to the aggressor’s entourage. I’m grateful to Ursula for her readiness to work on adding more Russian names to the EU sanctions lists. These are the kinds of steps that bring a just peace and guaranteed security closer. Thank you!

Indeed, this Russian war against Ukraine and against common sense must be ended. From the first year of the full-scale invasion, its consequences have been far-reaching: the loss of many lives, the destruction of cities and villages, food security, energy challenges, the extraordinary pace of technological development, including autonomous drones, and the rapid advancement of strike capabilities never seen before. Every new week of this war, let alone every new year, adds more and more problems. From the very first minute, Ukraine has sought peace. We have already made dozens of diplomatic proposals on how to end this war with dignity, guarantee security, and prevent new Russian invasions. Right now, there is a dialogue with President Trump and America. There are also ideas on the table for bringing peace closer, starting with strong de-escalation steps. Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure, and our food exports must stop being targets for Russia, and this will lead to matching de-escalation steps on our part. Solutions are possible. We are ready to work on this, and we will discuss it with our partners on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. I thank everyone who is helping! It will no longer be the case that only the country under attack suffers. The nature of war is now such that the aggressor will suffer as well. Technology makes this possible. The strength of countries’ leadership can – and must – deliver de-escalation, security, and peace. Thank you!

Our long-range responses had a very significant impact in the Moscow region last night. One of Russia’s key oil industry facilities and the aggressor’s logistics facility were hit. These are billions of dollars that sustain the war machine. The systems used included FP-1, RZ-100, MICH-2000, Palianytsia, Vendetta, Liutyi, Bars, Flamingo, Sichen, and Pelican. I thank our warriors for their accuracy: the Security Service of Ukraine together with the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Special Operations Forces, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, and the Foreign Intelligence Service. Sanctions were also imposed on a facility in the Voronezh region. Moscow must end its brutal war and choose peace instead of building layered rings of air defense at the expense of other regions. Steps toward de-escalation are on the table – in energy and food security. What is needed is political will. I thank everyone who is strengthening Ukraine’s long-range capabilities. I am grateful to everyone who complements our long-range responses with responses through sanctions. Glory to Ukraine!

Today, for the first time, here in Ukraine, in our part of the Carpathians, we hold a Summit that brings together all the Carpathian states, the regions and communities of our countries. We are launching a new format – “C8,” the Carpathian Eight – bringing together us and our neighbors in Europe: Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, and, of course, the European Union as a whole. This marks the start of a movement that should bring our countries even closer together and create another strong framework for cooperation at the EU level – security, energy, a significant expansion of logistics and cross-border economic cooperation, as well as substantial support for our communities.

I spoke with the President of the European Commission, @vonderleyen. A very productive conversation. I thanked Ursula for the attention to Ukraine and security issues in her annual State of the Union Address. The initiative to use the remaining SAFE funds to finance new defense projects by Ukraine and the European Union is very timely and truly necessary. It is important to implement it. Of course, we are also ready to cooperate on other security proposals that can strengthen all of Europe and each of our countries. We discussed the steps needed to ensure our defense resilience. In great detail, we discussed the issue of financing Ukraine’s defense. We are preparing a solution to this problem and agreed to meet in New York on the sidelines of UNGA. Thank you for the support!

I saw a real missile made by North Korea in Ukraine. I did not see a Chinese missile. But I know that their technologies get to Russia. The machinery they use comes from China, likely along with smart people and technologies. I don’t see China pushing Russia to stop the war. I never saw that. Maybe they do that during some of their bilateral meetings. I don’t know. But I think that they have huge influence over Russia, especially now, when there are a lot of sanctions, the shadow fleet, and cut-off energy and banking systems. Of course, China can find a way to push Putin toward negotiations. I’m sure, but they didn’t do it. And if you can and don’t, is it support or not? It’s a pity that China is not on our side in this war, politically. It’s not even about weapons. It’s about political will. And it’s a pity because this war can be stopped immediately by strong leaders, including China. It’s a pity that they are not on our side. But that’s not the problem. That’s a pity. The problem is that they are not in the middle. Because they are a little bit more with Russia. And for them to be a little bit more with Russia – I mean, not to give weapons directly, but to be more open to them, more helpful to them than to us – for such a big country, a little bit is a lot. From an interview with NHK. (3/3)

I thank our warriors, who make Russia feel the war every day. Last night, in a joint operation by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, and the Foreign Intelligence Service, the Yaroslavl oil refinery was hit. The Security Service also carried out a precise strike on a military airfield in Rostov – the damage to an An-12, two An-26s, and three helicopters has been confirmed. There have also been good results in the Black Sea. Every day, we respond to aggression. Russia must choose peace.

I met with Japan’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Eisuke Mori. This is a very important visit right now – at a time of constant and brutal Russian attacks. The Japanese delegation being in Kyiv despite all the threats is a true sign of respect – and we deeply appreciate it. And we will always be glad to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, to Ukraine. We discussed energy support for Ukraine ahead of winter, as well as defense cooperation, including Japan’s participation in the PURL initiative. I thank Mr. Speaker, the Parliament, and all the people of Japan for their principled solidarity, tangible assistance, and support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ukraine has proposed that its partners secure an agreement with Russia that would stop the destruction of critical infrastructure. Food, energy, and other basics that sustain life must be protected, and Russian strikes are directed primarily against them. Every day, Ukrainian energy facilities, port infrastructure, logistics, and even warehouses storing food and pharmaceuticals are targeted. Ukraine is not convinced that Russia is willing to abide by any agreement. If our partners are ready to ensure that Russia genuinely refrains from striking our electricity system, other energy facilities, critical infrastructure, and food supply routes, then, of course, we are ready to ensure a corresponding halt to our strikes. So that it is reliable, long-term, has a real impact on people’s lives, and does not fall apart after the Russians hold their “elections” and get an easing of pressure on gasoline and diesel precisely for that period. The war must be brought to an end. And a de-escalatory step regarding critical infrastructure could be the first step toward peace. We expect specifics from our partners.

I am grateful to Canada and Prime Minister @MarkJCarney for talks that are always substantive and focused on what can help protect lives right now. We discussed in detail the options for ensuring Ukraine’s financial resilience this year and next. Thank you for your readiness to help secure the necessary financing for our budget needs and for our warriors. I also spoke about the virtually constant Russian ballistic missile and drone strikes. Mark assured me that Canada is ready to join our European anti-ballistic missile program FREYJA with its technologies. This is a necessary and timely step. There will also be additional defense deliveries. Of course, we also had a meaty discussion about promising bilateral projects in defense and the economy. In particular, our teams are currently working on the Drone Deal. We expect to reach a full-fledged agreement in the near future. Thank you, Mark! Thank you to the Canadian people and all of Canada for your significant support.

Had a good call with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff @SEPeaceMissions and Jared Kushner @jaredkushner. It was a detailed and constructive conversation. Importantly, the dialogue between negotiating teams of the U.S. and Ukraine continues all the time, and now we are talking about locking in the dates for the visit to Ukraine. Such a trip would be highly beneficial for hammering out solutions for peace. I also informed them about the situation on the battlefield, where Russia's gains have been sparse and at the cost of huge losses, and about the strikes. Steve and Jared know many details. Our teams will be in close touch to work out the agenda and the most suitable schedule for further communication. I thank President Trump @POTUS, Steve and Jared, and everyone in the United States who works to make peace our joint achievement.

Today, I am with our warriors who are defending extremely difficult sectors of the front. Our positions in the Donetsk region will be reinforced by two restructured force groupings, to be commanded by Hero of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko and Hero of Ukraine Andrii Biletskyi.

I thank Chinese leader Xi Jinping for his congratulations to Ukraine on our most important national holiday. Independence is an unconditional value for Ukrainians, as it is for all other sovereign nations. We appreciate that over these 35 years, we have built relations with China based on mutual respect and full recognition of the values of our peoples. We count on further cooperation and on China playing a strong diplomatic role in bringing Russia’s war against our country to an end. Peace can be our shared achievement.

I received warm and heartening congratulations from President Trump @POTUS on the 35th Anniversary of the Restoration of Ukraine’s Independence: “Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the citizens of Ukraine on your Independence Day. August 24 is a day to celebrate our enduring friendship built on 35 years of diplomatic relations, a bond that has only deepened since Ukraine gained its independence. With courageous, brave, and talented people, you have built a great country. As you commemorate this important occasion, know that the United States stands in admiration of your resilient spirit, honors your sacrifices, and remains confident in your future as a sovereign, prosperous nation. Let us seize this moment to end the conflict and build a durable, lasting peace that unleashes the tremendous potential of Ukraine for generations to come. Sincerely, Donald J. Trump” These words, much like the sound of a Patriot PAC-3 launch, lift our spirits and give hope that lives can be protected from Russia’s savage attacks and that a dignified peace can be achieved. Thank you, President Trump and all Americans, for your support and congratulations!

In Kryvyi Rih, emergency and rescue operations are ongoing at the site of yesterday’s Russian strike on a shopping mall. The fire, which spread across 9,000 square meters, has been extinguished. SESU specialists are clearing the rubble and continuing to search for people. Rescuers from seven regions and canine search teams are involved in the operation. Sadly, 16 people have now been confirmed killed and 130 injured, including 23 children. My condolences to all the families and loved ones… There were also missile and drone strikes throughout the evening and night. In Kyiv, ballistic missile strikes damaged railway infrastructure. One person was killed and another injured. In Zaporizhzhia, there was an absolutely inhumane FPV drone strike on a city minibus, injuring three people. Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Sumy, Kherson, Chernihiv, and Mykolaiv regions also came under attack. Residential buildings, energy and railway infrastructure facilities, and civilian businesses were damaged. Every day that Ukraine lacks sufficient air defense means casualties that could have been prevented. Protecting lives requires daily decisions and effective support from the world, and right now, new supplies of ballistic missile interceptors and other missiles can help. Thank you to everyone who is helping our people and supporting Ukraine with concrete steps.

I am grateful to the MPs for supporting Andrii Sybiha for the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Yevhenii Khmara for the position of Minister of Defense of Ukraine. The tasks for both ministers are absolutely clear: Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it. Glory to Ukraine!

We are very grateful to the U.S. Senate and to everyone who supports Ukraine. Adopting the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act certainly helps increase pressure on the aggressor to bring this insane Russian war against our independence and our people to an end. Ukraine appreciates ALL the support the United States is providing to Ukraine – from both parties and the entire American people. And now, when Putin is making his final bet on ballistic missiles to drag out the war, and when we are searching every nook and cranny so hard for Patriot missiles to protect ourselves, every signal in support of defending lives and bringing the war to an end as soon as possible is extremely important. Real, strong American pressure and sanctions against Russia are what will help the most. Diplomacy comes closer with every step of pressure on the aggressor. Thank you to everyone who understands this and advances PEACE through STRENGTH.

It was a pleasure to welcome @wesstreeting to Kyiv for the first time. We appreciate that his visit comes right after yet another Russian attack on our people. I briefed the Secretary on the consequences of this onslaught against life and on our needs, as Russia seeks to significantly ramp up its ballistic missile production ahead of winter. We discussed how the UK could help Ukraine better protect our cities and communities from such ballistic threats – both bilaterally and multilaterally – just as it has done many times before by helping secure supplies of scarce defensive equipment. In particular, we discussed opportunities to establish coproduction of certain types of weaponry, as both the UK and Ukraine possess strong battle-proven capabilities. We also discussed sanctions against Russian enterprises involved in the production of ballistic missiles. Every effort to undermine Russia’s war machine and its bet on ballistic terror matters. Thank you to the United Kingdom, His Majesty, the Prime Minister, and the British people for your unwavering support.

I spoke with Ihor Obolenskyi, Commander of the Khartiia Brigade. There was an assassination attempt against Ihor today – the attacker and his accomplice have been detained. The necessary procedural measures are underway. I received a report from Oleksandr Poklad on this. We will definitely respond to this attempted strike against Ukraine and the Ukrainian commander. I thanked Ihor for his service and wished him to hit the occupiers even harder. Glory to Ukraine!

A good meeting with President Trump @POTUS at the Oval Office. Thank you for everything we do together to protect the lives of Ukrainians and advance peace. First and foremost, I offered President Trump our condolences on the passing of Lindsey Graham. He was a true friend of Ukraine. The President and I discussed licenses for Patriot interceptor production and several other ideas that could help. We also spoke about diplomacy – it’s important that the diplomatic process be reinvigorated. Our teams will arrange the details of their further communication. I am grateful to the United States for its firm support.