President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that keeping the situation under control on the front line and preparing for any escalation of the enemy is a priority for the near future, News.ro notes. He also notes that the further liberation of Ukrainian territory is “a priority that we are carefully preparing.”

In his video address on Thursday evening, Zelenskyi said that 101 more Ukrainians who were held captive by the Russians had been returned home, most of them – defenders of Mariupol, military personnel of the Navy, border guards, infantrymen, among civilians – Fr. deputy mayor of Energodar.

He added that a meeting of the General Staff was held, in which commanders of operational departments took part and reports on the situation at each site were presented.

“Delivery of weapons, delivery of ammunition, training of the military. Enemy plans and capabilities. The potential of the Ukrainian response. Keeping the frontline situation under control and preparing for any escalation by the enemy is a priority for the near future. Continuation of the further liberation of our land is a priority that we are carefully preparing,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.

Zelensky noted that he had several discussions, listed some that can be made public.

In this way, he showed that he participated in a meeting of the parliament of Norway, a country that is preparing a historic package of support for Ukraine for five years worth more than 7 billion dollars.

“Norway is one of our most consistent and energetic partners. This also applies to weapons, especially the powerful NASAMS air defense systems,” continued Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

He revealed that he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Eli Cohen, who visited Ukraine, inviting this country to take part in the implementation of the Peace Formula.

Zelensky noted that he also met with the head of the Labor Party of Great Britain, Keir Starmer, saying that “the British are our sincere and strong ally, they are one of the strongest defenders of world freedom.”

He also reported that he had spoken with the President of Kazakhstan, whom he thanked for the humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine.

“Today, our Lithuanian brothers are celebrating the 105th anniversary of the restoration of the Lithuanian state. This is a holiday, the significance of which is felt especially now, when we, together with Lithuania, defend our freedom and our right to Europe. I want to emphasize once again: Lithuania started helping us even before Russia started a full-scale invasion. And I feel this support all the time – both from President Gitanas Nauseda and from the Lithuanian state as a whole. I am absolutely sure that we will celebrate the days of our statehood together many more times – and always in our free countries,” said the President of Ukraine.

He also recalled his performance at the opening of the 73rd Berlin Film Festival.

“This year’s blue and yellow colors of the symbol of Berlinale, the famous bear, are really emotional. And strong. Together we will prove that even a bear can be right. I am grateful to the filmmakers who have not remained indifferent and support us with the power of their work and their influence. Thanks to the organizers and participants of the festival. And, of course, I am grateful to Sean Penn, who was in Ukraine on the first day of the full-scale invasion and has been even more determined to support Ukrainians ever since.”

Zelenskyi thanked the military, who protect various territories of Ukraine.

“36 missiles and drones during today’s attack. Half of them were shot down. We are doing everything possible so that our soldiers can shoot down the entire arsenal of the enemy from our sky,” he concluded.

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