President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi said during a new speech on Thursday evening that state resources should be used for defense and not for projects that are not currently a priority, writes News.ro. He noted that Ukrainians should feel that budget resources are being used correctly and adequately.

Zelenskyi began his speech with thanks: “First of all, I want to thank everyone who helps our people and cities overcome the consequences of Russian attacks. Odesa and the entire region, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr region, Kharkiv… border areas, Donetsk region… I thank all the rescuers, doctors, nurses, volunteers, police, local authorities… I thank everyone who works for the good people and Ukraine. The victims of the Russian attack are provided with the necessary assistance. Once again, I thank the workers of our ports and transport infrastructure in general, who do everything to preserve Ukraine’s export potential and our access to the world economy.”

He noted that in the first four days of this week, the Russians used more than 150 missiles and drones. “Only in four days of this week, starting from Monday, Russian terrorists have already used almost 70 missiles of various types, almost 90 “Shakheduri” in our state and, to a large extent, in the city of Odesa and the Odesa region. Mykolaiv, other cities and communities in the south of the country. Of course, our fighters managed to shoot down some of the enemy missiles and drones, and for that we thank every defender of the sky… But, unfortunately, the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense are not yet sufficient to protect all of Ukraine. the sky… We are cooperating as actively as possible with our partners to obtain additional air defense systems that will be able to ensure peace and security in our Odesa and in all other cities and communities of our country,” he said.

Zelensky thanked several countries for strengthening sanctions against Russia. “Today, I would like to thank several states that have strengthened sanctions against Russian entities, various entities that in one way or another help Russia carry out this inhuman aggression. Thanks to the United States, Canada and the European Union. Hundreds of new sanctions have been successfully implemented. Russia and all those in this world who dare to help terrorists should feel the increased pressure of sanctions – whether they are individuals, companies or countries.”

“Today, the National Bank of Ukraine made an important decision regarding a financial institution that operates in our country and is owned by Russian oligarchs – it is under sanctions in various jurisdictions… NSDC sanctions have been applied. And now it would be right for the Government of Ukraine to immediately consider the relevant proposals of the National Bank of Ukraine and support them regarding this financial institution. In the interests of depositors, for the sake of financial stability and elementary justice,” the Kyiv leader also noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi said that he wants extra-budgetary funds to be found for “really necessary projects”.

“Today I also spoke with Prime Minister Schmihal about another issue that should be taken into account, especially from the point of view of justice. Budgetary expenses. In such times of war, the maximum attention of the state, and therefore the resources of the state, should be given to defense. This is an obvious thing. And any project that can be implemented at the expense of extra-budgetary funds should be implemented in this way. This applies to various spheres, including culture. Museums, cultural centers, symbolism, TV series – all this is important, but now there are other priorities. Find extra-budgetary funds. There are no public funds. Therefore, I proposed two steps to the Prime Minister. The first is to find extra-budgetary funds for projects that are really needed now. There are people in the world who can help. Secondly, I asked the Prime Minister to consider the possibility of replacing the Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.”

“I would also like to appeal to all local authorities of our country: people should feel that budget resources are used correctly and adequately. Everyone understands what it is about. Cobblestones, city decorations and fountains can wait after the victory,” he emphasized.

Zelenskyi also spoke about the fact that Ukraine continues to mobilize the world to protect food security and normal life. “Today, for the first time in the history of relations between our countries, I spoke with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, especially about Russia’s attempt to destroy our grain exports. Today, about 20 million people in Ethiopia are on the brink of starvation. This is one of the most critical situations in the world. Last year, Ukrainian exports saved the lives of at least one million Ethiopians – that’s how much food was sent to this country, almost 300,000 tons. And if not for Russian aggression, we could have saved many more lives and provided much more security. I am sure that this year we will be able to – all together, the whole world. No one in the world is interested in Russia destroying the world food market. And, by the way, we have already started preparing for the UN Security Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow, which is dedicated to this very issue – food security. I am grateful to everyone in the world who helps us!”, added the President of Ukraine.

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