President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy declares that the aggressive actions of the Russian occupier will not go unanswered. “The enemy is at the stage when the strategic defeat of Russia is already obvious. But tactically, they still have the resources to try offensive actions,” he asserts. Zelenskyi also said that Ukrainians should “speak with one voice to the world about defense supplies” and increase global pressure on Russia. “The adversary should come out of this phase much weaker than he expected in the worst case,” he notes.

In a message sent on Thursday evening, Volodymyr Zelenskyi showed that the meeting of the General Staff took place for the first time in a dual format. Thus, the situation at the front, Russia’s attempts to increase pressure on Donbas, the issue of providing for the army and personnel training were discussed in full. A second closed-door meeting was later held “for a particularly important discussion,” News.ro reported.

“We will not leave any aggressive action of the occupier unanswered. The enemy is at the stage when the strategic defeat of Russia is already obvious. But tactically, they still have the resources to try offensive moves. They are looking for options to try to change the course of the war and try to put the full potential of the territories they still control at the service of aggression. We must continue what we are doing: strengthen our stability, be completely united in the desire to provide the military and all defenders with the necessary weapons and equipment – we in Ukraine must speak to the world with one voice about defense provision. We also need to concretely increase global pressure on Russia every month. The opponent should come out of this phase much weaker than he expected in the worst case scenario. This is a difficult mission for us. But we have to do it,” Zelenskyy said.

The President of Ukraine added that the fight against the “internal enemy” continues, expressing gratitude to the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Prosecutor General’s Office and others involved in the “cleansing of the country.”

Zelensky: “Ukraine deserves to start negotiations on joining the EU this year”

“Today, during negotiations with the President of the European Commission and members of the Board of Directors of the European Commission, we reached a very important mutual understanding. Because only together a strong Ukraine and a strong European Union can protect the life we ​​value. That Ukraine needs unwavering and complete support in its defense against Russia. And that we must, through our further integration, give energy and motivation to our people to fight, despite any obstacles and threats. I believe that Ukraine deserves to start negotiations on joining the EU this year,” Zelenskyi said.

He noted that the second day of this week, dedicated to European integration, the Ukraine-EU summit will take place on Friday.

Zelenskyi also said that on Thursday he participated in the Prayer Breakfast in Washington via video conference, where President Joe Biden, senators and members of the House of Representatives, leaders of religious and political communities were also present. He noted that he asked them to do everything possible so that the power of actions complements the power of prayers.

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