Independence" forum, where he addressed various topics related to Ukraine's defense, political landscape, and economic strategies. Below are the main statements made by the President:
Defense and Military Developments:
- Ukraine's Defense-Industrial Complex: President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine's defense-industrial complex is operating 24/7. This intense effort recently resulted in the successful testing of the first domestically produced ballistic missile.
- Kursk Operation: Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of the Kursk operation in Ukraine's victory plan, emphasizing that it helped prevent the occupation of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. He clarified that Ukraine is not occupying Russian territory but is conducting a defensive operation to safeguard its own land.
- Use of F-16s: Ukraine successfully employed F-16 fighter jets to intercept and shoot down Russian missiles during a massive attack.
- Drone Production: Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has the capacity to produce 1.5-2 million drones annually. However, there is currently insufficient funding to support such large-scale production.
Political and Diplomatic Issues:
- No Forced Return of Conscripts: The President assured that Ukraine will not forcibly return men of conscription age from abroad. Instead, efforts will be made to create conditions that encourage voluntary return, such as the creation of new jobs.
- Prisoner Exchange: Zelenskyy acknowledged difficulties in returning special agents of the National Guard's "Azov" regiment during the recent prisoner exchange with Russia.
- Peace Talks with Russia: Zelenskyy deemed peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin impossible and pointless, stating that Putin would only consider peace if Ukraine ceded 30% of its territory—a compromise Ukraine is unwilling to make.
- Ministry of Unity: A decision to establish a "Ministry of Unity" is expected in the fall, with the main policies of its activity to be developed by that time.
- Strong Positions for Peace Talks: Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Ukraine to establish strong positions before engaging in any dialogue with Russia regarding the end of the war.
Economic and International Relations:
- Meeting with President Biden: Zelenskyy plans to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September to present a plan for Ukraine's victory.
- $50 Billion from Frozen Russian Assets: Ukraine expects to receive $50 billion from Russian frozen assets by the end of 2024.
- Poland's Decision on MiG-29 Fighters: Ukraine is awaiting Poland's decision on providing MiG-29 fighters.
- Kremlin's Nuclear Threats: Zelenskyy dismissed repeated nuclear threats from the Kremlin as part of a "program of intimidation," particularly in response to Ukraine's use of British Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets.
Governance and Administration:
- Appointment of Permanent Ministers: Zelenskyy acknowledged the need to resolve the issue of acting ministers in the government and to appoint permanent heads of ministries in the near future.
- Return of State Traitors: The President mentioned ongoing difficulties in returning state traitors who fled Ukraine.
This comprehensive overview of President Zelenskyy's statements reflects Ukraine's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense, navigate complex international relations, and maintain internal stability amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
