Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi returned to Kyiv on Monday after “three long days” in Europe, on a tour that saw him receive “a powerful new weapon” as well as more political support. He summarized the results of his meetings in Rome, Berlin, Paris and London in a daily address to his compatriots, which he recorded somewhere along the way, probably on the plane that brought him home, News.ro reports. .

“We are coming home with new defense packages: more new and stronger weapons for the front line, more protection for our people. More political support,” Zelenskyy said in his video message, expressing confidence that the soldiers and Ukraine “are becoming much stronger.”

He wrapped up a tour in the UK on Monday, which began on Saturday in Italy and continued on Sunday in Germany and France. After meetings with the leaders of these countries, the president of Ukraine received drones, as well as anti-aircraft and attack missiles, and is more optimistic about future deliveries of fighter jets. His French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, said on Monday evening that he had “opened the door” for the training of Ukrainian pilots “from now on”.

“Italy – good discussions with Georgia, Madam Prime Minister. The meeting with the sovereign pontiff is very encouraging. Meeting with the President of Italy. Germany – with Mr. President Steinmeier, the meeting with Mr. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is particularly important for our defense. (…) France – meeting with President Macron, long and useful negotiations. There is a new military package. It is strong. There are new political arrangements. Great Britain – meeting with Rishi, Prime Minister Sunak. Defense and, crucially, British leadership in military coalitions. We coordinated our positions before the international events planned in the near future: before the G7, the summit in Vilnius,” Zelenskyy summarized.

The President then reviewed the aid pledges he had received in each of the capitals:

• “I thank Italy for its help in protecting the lives of our people – from protecting the sky to preparing for the complete reconstruction of Ukraine after hostilities.
• I am grateful to Germany for the largest defense package – 2.7 billion euros. It has the Iris air defense system, many missiles, guns, shells, and armored vehicles. In addition, Germany will support our country in the long term – we have 11 billion euros for this, exclusively for defense. Germany also participates in the European Peace Fund, which strengthens our defense.
• I thank France for new opportunities for our soldiers in the fight against Russian terror, but now is not the time to talk about details. Thank you for additional equipment, for additional armored vehicles. I appreciate your help in strengthening our partnership.
• I am grateful to Great Britain for agreeing to train our pilots. We are creating a coalition to train pilots on modern Western aircraft. The UK agrees, Poland agrees and I’m sure France and other partners will join. We continue to work on the fighter coalition and are actively moving. Of course, I am grateful to the United Kingdom for the long-range capabilities of our soldiers,” Zelenskyy said.

“The Ukrainian language will be one of the official languages ​​of the European Union, I am sure of it”

He specified that at all these meetings he also discussed the peace formula offered by Ukraine, and now “there is more readiness on the part of the partners” to follow this formula. This Kyiv plan provides for the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, the withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities, as well as the restoration of the internationally recognized state borders of Ukraine – that is, including Crimea. Zelenskyi has repeatedly stated that he has nothing to negotiate about his plan.

“More support for our accession to the EU, more understanding that Ukraine’s accession to NATO will be inevitable,” Zelensky also told his compatriots. “The Ukrainian language will be one of the official languages ​​of the European Union, I am sure of that,” he promised.

“So the main results of these days are new weapons for Ukraine, respect for Ukrainians, and our victory is closer. And we will add even more support! I know it. I believe in it,” concluded Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

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