The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Tuesday evening confirmed that all 18 missiles that Russia sent to Kyiv on the night of Monday to Tuesday were shot down by Ukrainian air defense, and on this occasion he thanked the Western partners who provided the relevant equipment, expressing his confidence that Ukraine will also receive the planes, after he “successfully started” discussions on this matter with the leaders of Great Britain, France and the Netherlands.

“Yesterday we agreed in Great Britain with Rishi (Sunak), the Prime Minister, that we will work on a coalition of fighters – training, aircraft, results. French President (Emmanuel) Macron supported it yesterday, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte supported it today. A good start for the coalition! Thank you all!”, Zelenskyy wrote in an address to his compatriots on Tuesday evening, News.ro reports.

The main idea of ​​his speech was that, together with its partners, Ukraine will make “defense against terror as strong as possible” and cited the example of Russia’s unsuccessful attack on Kyiv, from Monday night to Tuesday, when all 18 missiles, including six hypersonic “Kinjal” missiles , were shot down by Ukrainian air defense.

“That is why we are constantly working on visits that will bring more opportunities, more Patriot, IRIS-T, Crotale, Hawk, NASAMS systems. Thank you again and again to all our partners around the world who have helped our country with proper air defense systems!” – said Zelensky.

At the same time, he emphasized that it is not easy to persuade Western partners to supply weapons to Ukraine. “It is important to say one more thing. We must also remember how much effort such weapons cost Ukraine. The time, energy, arguments, meetings and clarifications that allowed us to build this air defense system. This is great work… And thanks to everyone involved! At all levels. Day after day, month after month, our team worked to ensure that we had protection in the sky,” Zelenskyi said.

But he expressed confidence in Kyiv’s ability to be persuasive. “We heard earlier that (delivery of Patriot systems) would be unrealistic. And here he is, the Patriot,” said Zelensky. “And this is not all that we will provide to Ukraine! Together with the partners of Ukraine, we will make the defense against terror as strong as possible,” the Ukrainian leader assured.

The mention of the Patriot system is not accidental. This US-made system would protect Kyiv from Russian missiles sent at night. On the other hand, the Russians claimed to have hit one of two Patriot systems brought into Ukraine, while American sources said it may have been repairable damage.

Zelensky told Ukrainians that the first thing he did after returning from a working tour of four European countries – Italy, Germany, France and Great Britain – was to convene a meeting with the leadership of the General Staff. “General Sirsky’s report on the situation in the Bakhmut area was very important. I thank all our soldiers there, every soldier, sergeant and officer who are doing superhuman things in this area,” Zelensky said, mentioning several units operating in the area, which he praised for their “determination and success in destroying the enemy.”

Zelensky said that he spoke via video conference at the Council of Europe summit, which was held in Reykjavík and where “all the countries of free Europe and powerful European leaders” were present.

“I thanked them for their support of our country and asked them to continue to act together 100% so that we are protected – all of Ukraine, all of Europe, all of the free world – 100%. No terrorist rocket, no terrorist cannon, and no terrorist blackmail should threaten freedom!” Zelensky said.

Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe after the invasion of Ukraine.

“After we had several meetings today on the subject of international events, we are doing everything so that our soldiers have more opportunities, so that our victory will bring the end of this war even closer,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured in the conditions that everyone is waiting for Ukrainian counteroffensive. “We are preparing more news for Ukraine!” – said Zelensky in conclusion, without providing other details.

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