On the night of May 8, the Russians, in addition to other energy facilities, attacked the Ukrainian hydroelectric power station (HPP).
The Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also reported to the head of state about the situation at the front.
President Vladimir Zelensky stated this in his address following the results of May 8.
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Night shelling of Ukraine
He also commented on the Russian shelling on the night of May 8.
The President thanked everyone who today during the day is liquidating the consequences of the strike of the Russian Nazis in Vinnitsa, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lvov, Zaporozhye, Poltava and Kirovograd regions.
— This is how the Kremlin celebrates the end of World War II in Europe — with a massive blow, with his attempts to break the life of our people, with his Nazism. In just one day — almost 60 Russian missiles and more than 20 Shaheds. This was a calculated combined strike against our power grid — against electricity generation, hydroelectric dams, gas infrastructure. Some of the missiles and most of the Shaheds were shot down, — he said.
Zelensky thanked the partners whose air defense systems worked today.
— But not all Russian missiles were shot down. Unfortunately, there were hits. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine, energy workers, involved services and enterprises have many tasks, — he said.
The head of state personally thanked the rescuers who, today and on other days, showed themselves to be effective and dedicated in eliminating the consequences of Russian strikes:
- In the Zaporozhye region, these are Alexander Antipov, Sergey Sidorenko and Nikolay Sereda, who are employees of state fire and rescue units.
- in the Lviv region these are Igor Veretelnik, Alexander Voitovich and Victor Kapustyak.
- in Poltava region — Alexander Kot, Alexander Baiva and Evgeniy Kibalnik.
- in Vinnytsia region — Oleg Kostyuk, Dmitry Palamarchuk and Vladimir Khudchenko.
- in Frankivsk region — Arthur Vasyutyak, Oleg Shastkiv and Ruslan Kriklivy.
— I thank you guys and all your colleagues — the entire staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, all the people whose work — always give hope to life, always help, under any circumstances, — said the President.
World Summit
Vladimir Zelensky also said that today he had negotiations with leaders who can help Ukraine and Europe bring a just peace and real long-term security closer.
— We continue to prepare the first Global Peace Summit, which will take place in Switzerland, and should become a truly effective peace-building platform, — said the President.
The head of state reported that he had invited the leaders of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to the Summit today.
— It is very important that we are in dialogue with all leaders and, in fact, with everyone we have a common goal — restore real peace to international relations and guarantee justice to every people — to everyone that he will not be destroyed. The world can only provide this through interaction. And I thank every leader, every state that has already confirmed their participation in the Peace Summit, — he said.
Negotiations with partners
In addition, Zelensky said that the Ukrainian authorities also discussed bilateral cooperation with partners.
Regarding Denmark — Strengthening the air defense of Ukraine and the implementation of defense agreements were discussed.
Across the Netherlands — the President of Ukraine discussed with Prime Minister Mark Rutte the search for additional Patriot systems.
As for the negotiations with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Zelensky called her “good” and “long”, which had “a lot of details”. According to the Ukrainian leader, both bilateral cooperation and the situation in the region were discussed.
— We agreed to work together further based on the work of our teams, — he said.
During a conversation with the German leader, Zelensky discussed the restoration and protection of Ukraine's energy sector, as well as preparations for a conference in Berlin on reconstruction.
With the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the President of Ukraine discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as global issues to bring peace closer.
Report by Syrsky and Umerov
In his address, the head of state said that today the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov reported to him and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky reported to him.
— Our positions at the front, the physical protection of our people and communities, thwarting any Russian offensive attempts — these are immediate priorities, — he said.
The president did not provide other details of the conversations with Syrsky and Umerov.
