President Volodymyr Zelenskyi told Ukrainians on Friday evening that he is continuing diplomatic efforts to strengthen the country’s defense, and noted that his next step and next goal will be the acquisition of modern fighter jets. The message he is sending to international leaders is that Ukraine can achieve victory this year, but it needs the right weapons, News.ro reports.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi expressed confidence that he will eventually be able to convince allies to supply Ukraine with aircraft, stressing that he has so far managed to remove what once seemed like a taboo.

“A tank coalition has already been created for Ukraine, the taboo on the supply of long-range missiles has already been lifted, there are already new successes in strengthening our artillery, and the world has already heard how it is necessary to create a coalition of aircraft for Ukraine, for global security. I spoke about it today with Prime Minister (Dutch) Rutte, and during the week with other leaders. I will continue these negotiations next week,” the Kyiv native promised.

“We are doing everything to strengthen our soldiers, who inspire the world with resistance and courage,” Zelensky noted. “Today I had the honor to present our people, our defenders at the opening of the Security Conference in Munich. It is one of the most important international meetings, and this year’s conference represents the major powers of the modern world. Thanks to you, Ukrainian men and women, who protect our state, there is no Russia in Munich,” the Ukrainian president emphasized, meaning that for the first time Russia was not invited to this traditional forum, which deals with world security.

He told Ukrainians that Kyiv’s key message at the Munich Security Conference is that everything must be done this year to “ensure the collapse of Russian aggression.” “It is possible. required But it is possible if Ukraine gets the necessary weapons for this,” Zelenskyy said.

“That’s why our diplomatic marathon continues without a break – since my visit to Washington in December,” said the Ukrainian president.

A register of claims has been opened in The Hague

In his speech, he insisted on presenting the results of the meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who was in Kyiv on Friday. He is “a leader who helps us a lot to protect freedom, a state leader who helps us a lot to protect Ukraine and all of Europe. Among Ukraine’s main partners is the Netherlands. This is manifested through protection, political and legal support. Today, as always, we had meaningful talks with Mark,” Zelenskyy told Ukrainians.

“There will be more weapons for our soldiers, more pressure on the terrorist state and more opportunities to restore justice,” Zelensky assured Ukrainians.

The president announced that a “damage register” would be opened in The Hague, which would be an important step for receiving compensation from Russia in the future.

“Together with the Netherlands, we are working to punish Russia for this aggression and compensate for the damage caused by the war. There is already a concrete solution – placing a register of losses in The Hague. This is the first important element of the future compensation mechanism. I am confident that we will reach other necessary solutions. Russia will be responsible for everything it has done against Ukraine and Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said.

The President also talked about the “important” resolution that Ukraine is preparing to present next week at the UN General Assembly. He clarified that he presented this resolution on Friday to the leaders of the Caribbean, a part of the world that is more reluctant to support Ukraine. However, the Kyiv leader a few days ago already outlined the task for his diplomacy: to gain support for Kyiv in Asia, Africa and Latin America, regions that have been hesitant to support Kyiv’s military efforts and where Russia is trying to expand its influence.

“Ukraine always builds its foreign policy on respect for all participants in international relations. All nations are equal and deserve an independent life, as well as peaceful cooperation with other nations. This principle of ours finds understanding in all parts of the world. And I thank every state and every nation that supports Ukraine’s efforts to stabilize international relations,” Zelenskyi said. (News.ro)