President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi said during a new speech on Saturday that Ukraine must take all the necessary steps so that the F-16 “appears in its skies.” “This will bring the return of civil aviation to Ukrainian skies closer, as it will bring victory closer and provide Ukraine with more security,” Zelenskyy said.

Volodymyr ZelenskyiPhoto: President of Ukraine / Zuma Press / Profimedia

“For 30 years, on the last Saturday of August, Ukrainian aviation personnel, both military and civilian, celebrate their professional day. Pilots, engineers, everyone who works in the aviation industry, in aircraft construction, in air transport. All those who make Ukraine one of the strong states. Because only those states that can protect the sky and respect their aviation have real power. Now, this year, Ukraine must complete all the necessary steps for the F-16 to appear in our skies. This will be a new level of Ukrainian military aviation. And this will bring closer the return of civil aviation to Ukrainian skies, because it will bring victory closer and give Ukraine more security. There are many reasons for congratulating on Aviation Day. There are many things to be thankful for. I am also grateful. We are all grateful,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi said, News.ro reports.

He also talked about the plane crash in which three pilots died. “Unfortunately, these words alone are not enough today. Yesterday, a disaster occurred in the sky over the Zhytomyr region. Three pilots died. Among them is Andrii Pilshchikov with the call sign Jus. He was a Ukrainian officer, one of those who helped our country a lot. Very much! Condolences to family and friends, to everyone who knew the boys. The investigation into what happened is ongoing. It is too early to talk about details. Of course, all the circumstances will be clarified. Of course, Ukraine will never forget those who defended the free sky of Ukraine. May they always be in our memory!”

“Today I would like to say a few more words. First of all, our soldiers. On the Bakhmut direction – all those fighting in the area of ​​Klishchiivka, Andriivka and Kurdyumivka. In the Avdiyivka region. Maryinka Melitopol sector, namely Robotyne. Thank you for your strength of character, fighters!

Secondly, our partners. To date, more than 20 countries have joined the G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine. Our team continues its activities. Now there are almost 30 of them, including the G7. There will be others. We have started negotiations with Canada on a bilateral document on security guarantees. Previously, we started with the United States and the United Kingdom. This will give Ukraine much more opportunities. I am grateful to everyone who works for this!

And the third is our emotions. We must not let our emotions take control anywhere or in anything. Especially between us, within society, between Ukrainians. Please take care of each other. And have time to thank everyone who helps the defense, everyone who helps Ukraine. We are defending our country, moving forward absolutely rationally and bringing our victory – the victory of Ukraine – closer,” added Zelenskyy.

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