1686th day of war. Address of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ukrainians

I wish health and well-being to Ukrainians, men and women. Today there were several military issues. I held a meeting, specifically regarding our EW, and we will increase the component of exactly such protection for critical infrastructure. Additional tasks have been defined for manufacturers, for the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A significant part of Russian Shaheds are neutralized specifically by our electronic warfare means.

Today, at the meeting, we discussed key issues regarding the preparation of Ukrainian long-range capabilities for next year. Funding, volumes, our ability to respond mirror-like to every Russian operation against Ukraine, against our people. Second. Currently, through intelligence channels, through special services channels, we are clarifying all available information regarding another attack in the Black Sea against civilian vessels.

Tonight in the waters of Bulgaria, two civilian vessels were attacked. One sank, the other sustained significant damage. We sympathize with everyone who suffered. Ukrainian defense forces did not conduct any operation in this area of the sea. This latest tragedy with civilian vessels continues Russian attempts to make the western part of the Black Sea absolutely unfit for shipping. We have clarified all data with the Bulgarian side. Our naval forces have contacted Bulgarian colleagues.

It has been established that this was a Russian combined attack using maritime and aerial drones. I have instructed our Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, our intelligence, and all our services to interact as fully as possible with our partners so that they and we have more opportunities to defend ourselves. I thank everyone who is now responding fundamentally to such Russian attacks. For example, today a vessel was hit in the waters of Romania, now Bulgaria.

This is exactly what the Russians plan – to constantly increase escalation. Their drones constantly fly into Moldova, and this is not the first attack on vessels in the Black Sea, in the waters of partners. Attacks against our ports continue constantly, and there must be a clear reaction to this Russian aggressiveness. Absolutely clear response actions are needed. One more thing – there is updated information from intelligence about the preparation of a massive strike by the Russians. Please, I very much ask you, take care of yourselves, please react to missile danger alerts.

Ukrainian services, our air forces are ready to respond, as much as our means of protection allow. And much depends on partners, on every leader, on every state in the world that has the means of protection we need and can transfer them. It is very important that there be political will for this, particularly in the United States of America, particularly in Europe, particularly among other partners. The world is greater than Russian evil, and the protection of life must be a common cause. I thank everyone who truly helps, I thank everyone who is with us, who is with Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!