The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky heard a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi on the situation at the front and held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.
He reported this on January 13 in his evening address.
“Today was not an easy day — there was another Russian strike, ballistic missiles: 18 ballistic missiles alone. Also cruise missiles and attack drones. Some were intercepted. Interceptors alone shot down 64 ‘Shaheds.’ Unfortunately, there were also hits. For far from the first week this winter, our repair teams, energy crews, and municipal services in many Ukrainian cities have been working around the clock”, — the Head of State said.
He added that weather conditions create additional challenges, and many people are working to restore supply and ensure normal life.
“I held a Staff meeting today — protection issues are key. Air defense missiles, interceptor production, all necessary supplies. Contracts, financing. We are fully ensuring this. What is important is real and timely implementation of all agreements with our partners”, — the President emphasized.
He noted that the PURL program needs further filling, and that too little has been done in January so far.
“This is a task for our entire diplomatic team — both the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I spoke with U.S. congressmen Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. I am grateful for the unwavering bipartisan support of Congress. We currently have very productive work with the President of the United States and his team. We discussed all the details”, — Zelensky stated.
He informed them about Russian strikes and Ukraine’s air defense needs.
“We discussed how additional pressure on Russia can produce strong diplomatic results. It is important that the U.S. administration has as many tools as possible for effective pressure. We also discussed support programs that have not yet been fully implemented and can be used — in particular, those related to air defense”, — Zelensky added.
He noted that Ukraine continues preparing documents with the United States regarding security guarantees and recovery.
“We are working in a very practical way so that in the near future there will be formats for signing and approval — legal approval by the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian parliament. Rustem Umerov reported on these issues today”, — the President said.
According to him, Ukraine-related issues in relations with the U.S. must remain at the top level despite all informational and political challenges.
“There was also a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. It is difficult everywhere now, but the most difficult is at the front. Taking into account both the weather and Russian attempts to pretend that the need to end the war does not concern them. Assaults continue. Defense of our positions continues”, — Zelensky said.
He thanked every Ukrainian unit, soldier, sergeant, and officer achieving results for Ukraine.
“The Pokrovsk direction, Huliaipole, the Kupiansk direction — all areas where it is needed. Russian losses must not decrease. Our defense at the front is our strength in diplomacy. Ukraine must be strong. Thank you to everyone who fights and works for this”, — the President emphasized.
