Ukraine is working on the purchase and production of weapons in Ukraine, and the priority is the independence of the Ukrainian state in weapons.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported this following the results of January 17.
Meeting of the Headquarters
He reported that a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief was held today.
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— The questions are different, but in general — about our independence in weapons. Drone production, missile program, technological components for the army, in particular robotic systems. We are working on large purchases and large-scale production in Ukraine. I am grateful to all partners who help us, — the president said.
Russian strike on Krivoy Rog
The head of state also pointed out that rescue operations continued in Krivoy Rog for 24 hours after the city was hit by Russian ballistics.
— Four people were killed by this strike. My condolences to their families and friends. Fourteen people were wounded, they were given the necessary assistance. And such strikes, such losses simply would not have happened if we had received all the necessary air defense systems, which we have been talking about with our partners for so long and which exist in the world, — said Zelensky.
International meetings
The president separately touched upon the topic of the visit to Kyiv of a delegation of Slovak parliamentarians headed by Michal Šimečka.
The parties discussed cooperation between the two countries, in particular in the energy sector.
— We are ready for open and honest work with Slovakia — as with all partners — for the sake of energy security and more comfortable prices for energy resources. Now some figures are spreading a lot of disinformation, but after the Russian transit deadlines simply ended, the reality is simple: only relations with Europe's partners and its own work on energy independence can help Europe, Zelensky said.
The head of state emphasized that countries need to work for their own people, not for Moscow.
— And I am glad that the Slovak side, as we heard today at the talks, supports this. Especially before the start of President Trump's new American policy of supplying significantly larger volumes of energy resources to the world market, — Zelensky added.
The Ukrainian leader also met with the leadership of the foreign ministries of Southeastern European countries, during which they discussed issues of mutual support in the framework of security, the economy, human capital and Ukraine's relations within the European Union and NATO.
— They know exactly what the threat of destabilization from Russia is. And they know what is needed for joint defense, — the president said.
Distinction of Ukrainian soldiers
Finally, the head of state awarded state awards to Ukrainian soldiers, in particular paratroopers and military personnel from the Special Operations Forces who captured the first North Korean soldiers.
— He presented them with orders and handed over the Gold Star of the Hero of Ukraine order to the mother of senior soldier Dmitry Maslovsky, call sign Cobra, 71st separate ranger brigade. The guy who heroically died in battle with the occupier in the Donetsk region. Many have seen the video of this battle. This was exemplary bravery of a Ukrainian warrior. Eternal memory and honor to him, — said Zelensky.
The President of Ukraine wished eternal memory and respect to all Ukrainian heroes and people who gave their lives so that Ukraine could live.
