President Volodymyr Zelenskyi told compatriots on Friday evening that the “main news” of the day is that Ukraine has just received two air defense systems “that shoot down anything” and that, even if they do not “fully protect” the country’s territory , will protect certain regions. He also said he was “very focused” on front-line issues on Friday, and among those briefed on the situation was army chief General Valery Zaluzhny, whose sacking he was quoted as saying was imminent. Western press sources, News.ro reports.

• “The main news today is the one we’ve all been waiting for, which we’ve been working on for months at various levels. As a result, two more air defense systems have arrived in Ukraine,” said Zelensky at the end of his video speech, which is broadcast every evening. He said he couldn’t reveal too many details about the new systems, but said they are “systems that shoot anything.”

• “We will defend the regions. The systems are not yet sufficient to fully protect Ukraine, but we are working on it every day,” Zelenskyi said, expressing gratitude to those who help and “strengthen” Ukraine.

Politico and Reuters reported this week that Ukraine is to receive the first large batch of Boeing’s first long-range GLSDB missiles, a weapon that promises to extend the Ukrainian military’s range deep into Russian-controlled territory. The weapon has been successfully tested in the US, but it is so new that it is not even in the Pentagon’s inventory.

Zaluzhnyi reported from the front line

Speaking about what he did during the day, Zelenskyi told his compatriots that he held a meeting and was “very focused on the front line, on supporting the front line, on fortifications and on protecting power grids.”

He noted that Chief of Staff General Valery Zaluzhnyi and commanders Moskalyov and Syrsky reported from the front line. The clarification is important given that in recent days there has been talk of the quick dismissal of the commander of the Armed Forces, with whom the president should be in conflict.

Zelensky would have talked to him on Monday and asked him to resign, but the general, who is very popular among Ukrainians, would have refused. Some Western sources said that under these conditions, General Zalujni will be dismissed at the end of this week.

• PHOTO Rumors or not, what will the change of position of head of the Commissar Valery Zaluzhny mean for Ukraine / Who can replace him – FT

For his part, General Zaluzhnyi wrote a commentary for CNN in which he outlined his vision of the war and how the Ukrainian army should be equipped, emphasizing technology, especially the domestic production of drones. On the other hand, the general criticized the partial “monopolization” of the defense industry, which he said had led to production blockages in areas such as ammunition.

Zelensky defended the production of drones and “results”

Perhaps it is no coincidence that President Zelenskyi spoke about this very thing on Friday evening.

• “There are good results. In particular, the Ukrainian production of drones is constantly growing. We have a clear plan for 2024 for drones. We add contracts and financing. I am extremely grateful to everyone in our defense forces who are developing this direction and implementing the necessary changes. Thanks to everyone who is increasing drone production. In fact, it is about saving the lives of our soldiers,” Zelenskyy said.

He clarified that Prime Minister Denys Shmygal and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov presented a report on the state of fortifications on the front line.

• “Prime Minister Shmigal and Defense Minister Umerov reported on the speed of construction and financing. The tasks have been completed,” Zelenskyi said.

He also informed that the issue of shells was also discussed, assuring that domestic production is accelerating in parallel with new purchases.

• “The priorities are very clear,” Zelenskyy said, while Zaluzhny’s article on CNN focused on the priorities of the front, according to the army commander.

Regarding the situation at key areas on the contact line, Zelenskyi noted that special attention is being paid to the Avdiiv region, where the situation remains “extremely difficult.”

• “Separately, we discussed physical protection, recovery after the bombings and the heating season. I am grateful to everyone who ensures the stability of our energy industry and contributes to the energy sustainability of our country,” Zelenskyy said.

The Canadian-led coalition is returning Ukrainian children taken to Russia

With regard to “international activities”, he noted that he discussed bilateral cooperation and preparations for the Global Peace Summit with the President of Kazakhstan.

• “It is important to maintain a common vision of principles. And the main thing is peace,” Zelensky said.

He also informed that he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada and thanked him for his constant support of Ukraine. “We also discussed the activities of the created coalition for the return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia. Today, during the meeting in Kyiv, this coalition started its activities and a framework document regarding its activities was presented. Canada is one of the co-leaders of the coalition, and I am grateful to them for their activity,” said the Kyiv leader.

• “I also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, the acting chairman of the OSCE. For all who value international law, it is important to follow all the points of the Peace Formula. This includes activities related to the return of Ukrainians who were deported to Russia,” the Ukrainian president noted.

• “We are gradually preparing international activities for the coming weeks. We need more action on behalf of our collective power. Not only for Ukraine and Ukrainians, not only for Europe, but for all those in the world who seek stability and value human life. There will be appropriate work formats, new support packages for Ukraine – we are preparing the details,” Zelenskyy promised.