In a speech on Friday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi appeared to tell his countrymen that the expected Ukrainian counteroffensive was inevitable, asking them to remain united and mobilized, stressing that the front line was the number one priority, that the focus was on defense and that new forces are being prepared “that will prove their worth at the front”.

“Everyone in Ukraine should understand that the main task of the state is to rob our territories, return our lands and people from Russian captivity,” the Ukrainian leader said. “State resources are primarily directed to this task. And I am grateful to everyone who helps,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyi, News.ro reports.

“Now, just like last year, we must all remain united, mobilized and fully focused on defense,” the Ukrainian president emphasized.

Zelenskyi told Ukrainians that on Friday he had a meeting with the top military leadership and intelligence chiefs, with whom he discussed in detail the missile program and the issue of ammunition. “We constantly and very carefully analyze the conduct of hostilities, the hottest and all potentially dangerous directions. The front line is the number one priority,” Zelenskyy said.

“Also, we are actively preparing new brigades and units that will prove their capability at the front. Problems related to their provision, preparation and integration into the general defense plan are discussed during the General Staff meetings,” said the Kyiv leader.

“Today I want to thank each and every one of you who work in the state defense enterprises and in the business sector, who are engaged in the production of weapons and ammunition, drones, as well as everyone who repairs equipment and creates 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,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

In this context, the president recalled the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine, which took place on Friday in Ramstein. “I am grateful to those partners whose determination fully corresponds to the actual situation and needs on the battlefield. I am waiting for the defense minister’s report on the Ramstein results,” Zelenskyy said.

He also stated that he spoke with the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, who is on a visit to Kyiv, showing that “every investment made now, every saved or created job in Ukraine, every implemented economic project is also protection.”

“And when it comes to defense, speed is the main thing,” added Zelensky.

“Ukraine and our soldiers have no time for formal politics and any impractical things. Every event, every negotiation, meeting should provide concrete help for defense, should strengthen our soldiers and protect our values,” the Ukrainian leader emphasized.

At the same time, he told his compatriots that they should be ready “for any scenario.”

“Weapons and ammunition for our soldiers, stability of our economy, real preparation for any scenario – all this is absolutely essential,” Zelenskyi said.

He ended his speech by thanking the Ukrainian soldiers and noted the “courageous actions” of the amphibious assault brigade fighting in Bakhmut, and in the Lyman direction he mentioned another brigade for which he thanked. “firmness and safe holding of the position”.

At the same time, Zelensky thanked the anti-aircraft missile brigade from Kyiv “for their accuracy.”

“Thank you to everyone who is now on the ground, in the trenches, on combat missions! Thanks to everyone helping on the front lines! And remember those who gave their lives protecting Ukraine and Ukrainians. Let them remember our heroes!”, concluded the speech of the Ukrainian president.

Despite the expected Ukrainian counteroffensive, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar stressed on Wednesday that Ukraine will not announce a specific date and plans will remain classified.

“It is important to understand that there will not be such a day when the Armed Forces will say: tomorrow we are going on a counteroffensive,” Malyar said on Ukrainian National Television on Wednesday.

The counteroffensive will involve not only a few operations, but a broader effort to achieve the strategic goal of liberating the entire territory of Ukraine from Russian occupation, Malyar added, noting that it involves training Ukrainian forces in terms of equipment and several plans as options.

“The plan is finally chosen so that the enemy does not have time to react to it,” she said. “We must understand that the armed forces are constantly, daily preparing for the complete liberation of our territories. And this requires a huge set of measures, not just a counteroffensive,” Hanna Malyar explained.

___

• Follow the latest events of the war in Ukraine LIVETEXT on HotNews.ro