On the 47th day of the Russo-Ukrainian war, this disgraceful invasion, which is gradually wiping Russia out of international relations, is coming to an end.
It makes it more and more toxic with each passing day. It is only a matter of time now for the Russian military to step up its actions and war crimes to force everyone in the world to give up all ties with the Russian Federation.
In the northern regions of our country, where the occupiers were expelled, security work continues. First of all, this is demining. Russian troops have left behind tens if not hundreds of thousands of dangerous objects. These are shells that have not exploded, mines, “stretches”. At least several thousand such items are thrown away every day.
The occupiers left mines everywhere. In the houses they conquered. On the streets, in the field. They mined people’s property, mined cars and doors. We deliberately did everything we could to make returning to these areas after de-occupation as dangerous as possible. Due to the actions of the Russian army, our territory is currently one of the most contaminated with mines in the world. And I think this should also be seen as a war crime by Russian troops. They deliberately did everything they could to kill or mutilate as many of our people as possible, even when they were forced to withdraw from our land. Without the appropriate orders, they would not have done so.
This afternoon I met at Bankova (in the Office of the President) with an expert group working on the establishment of a special mechanism for pre-trial investigation and trial of all war crimes committed by the occupiers. We are working in a legal way to bring the occupiers to justice, which will be as efficient and fast as possible. Not to wait decades until all international legal procedures are completed, but to speed up justice. I expect the options for creating such a special mechanism to be presented shortly.
Today, the occupiers issued a new statement, which testifies to their preparations for a new stage of terror against Ukraine and our defenders. One of the occupiers’ speakers said they could use chemical weapons against the defenders of Mariupol. We take this as seriously as possible.
I would like to remind world leaders that the possible use of chemical weapons by the Russian military has already been discussed. And even at that time, this meant that it was necessary to react to Russian aggression much harsher and faster.
The European Union has already begun discussions on the sixth package of sanctions against Russia. It is time to make this package so that not even words of weapons of mass destruction can be heard from Russia. The oil embargo against Russia is mandatory. Any new package of sanctions against Russia that does not apply to oil will be received in Moscow with a smile.
I spoke about the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia and addressed the Parliament and the people of the Republic of Korea.
This week I will continue this format of communication with partner countries. Tomorrow I will address the Parliament and the people of the Republic of Lithuania.
By the way, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Shimonite visited Ukraine today. I am grateful to her for her support, as well as to the entire Lithuanian people.
The issue of punishing all those guilty of crimes against Ukrainians was also discussed today with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. The second important topic of conversation with him was the strengthening of sanctions against Russia. We will continue to coordinate our steps to force the Russian Federation to seek peace.
I discussed cooperation in the energy field with the Prime Minister of Norway. I thanked them for their support in their efforts to force Russia into peace.
I had talks with the President of the African Union, the President of Senegal. I informed him about the current situation in Ukraine, and about the global threats from the Russian invasion.
The key task, both today and every day at that time, is concrete defense measures. This is a concrete increase in our ability to repel any attacks by Russian troops. I do this almost around the clock. I’m sure people see it too. As they see, the military and technical capabilities of the enemy are still very high. Yes, Ukrainians are incomparably braver. Our armed forces are beating the occupiers with wisdom and well-thought-out tactics inaccessible to the Russian military.
But when it comes to the necessary weapons, we still depend on supplies, on our partners.
Unfortunately, we are not getting as much as we need to end this war sooner. To destroy the enemy of our land. And to perform those tasks that are obvious to all our people. In particular, to unblock Mariupol.
If we have planes and heavy enough armored vehicles, the necessary artillery, we could do it. But …
We still have to agree on such things. We still have to convince. We still have to squeeze the necessary solutions. I am sure we will get almost everything we need. But not only time is lost. We are losing the lives of Ukrainians. Lives that can no longer be returned.
And this is the responsibility of those who still keep the weapons they need in Ukraine in their warehouses. A responsibility that will forever remain in history.
How will our gratitude remain in history? Thanks to those countries and politicians who helped. Which did not delay. Who did not bargain when life depended on help.
He also signed several important decrees. 187 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 15 servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine, and six servicemen of the General Intelligence Directorate were awarded state prizes. The title of Hero of Ukraine was awarded to five servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular to two colonels of the medical service:
Ivanchuk Viktor Mikhailovich – thanks to his actions more than a hundred lives were saved in Mariupol. Both military and civilian.
Slesarenko Alexander Petrovich – thanks to his actions in the city of Chernihiv provided medical assistance to more than four hundred and fifty servicemen and more than six hundred civilians.
