Russia is gradually losing control of the Black Sea and retreating to its eastern part.
President Vladimir Zelensky stated this in his evening address following the results of November 2.
The President began by holding a conference call throughout Thursday. It was attended by military, intelligence, security forces and officials.
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— Special attention, of course, to the front. And the report on the work of our maritime export corridor – I am grateful to everyone who is fighting and working so that Ukraine maintains access to the world market. The results are good. Russia is gradually losing control over the Black Sea and retreating to the eastern part of the water area… We’ll get it there too,” the president said.
Ukraine also held a meeting with members of the government, where they discussed the steps that Ukraine should take both in the context of our transformation and in the context of our work with partners.
— Specific reforms. In different areas. We prepare bills and government decisions. Some of them will be adopted in the coming weeks,” the Ukrainian leader said.
The head of state also added that during a substantive meeting with officials he discussed various areas of government work.
— We discussed the steps that are needed to transform our state, our work with partners, with donors. About the government’s decision, about the bills that are needed, about strengthening institutions. We have decided on priorities and are preparing new steps – both in the coming weeks, and before the end of the year, and in annual terms,” he added.
The third point of the day was a conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
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The presidents discussed progress in Ukraine's movement into the European Union.
— The decision that we expect this year on the start of negotiations on membership. This decision will be a significant, very symbolic step that reflects how much Ukraine has achieved. We also discussed the situation in the Middle East – the threat of escalation, a tragic scenario. It is important to protect as many lives as possible. “I invited Charles, Mr. President, to visit Ukraine,” he said.
Vladimir Zelensky also held a meeting with the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, who arrived in Ukraine.
– Madam Minister visited Kharkov – and I am grateful for this, for the attention to one of our largest cities, which suffers from virtually daily Russian terror. We discussed in detail the defense support that the Netherlands provides, and this is vital,” the head of state said.
He also added that Ukraine’s agreements with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte are being implemented one hundred percent.
The head of state also thanked the United States for the new and very powerful sanctions decision.
— More than 220 Russian — and not only Russian — entities that work for aggression are now under US sanctions. This is what you need. Sectors of the economy critical for the aggressor. Schemes sensitive to terrorists. And every sanctions decision must work fully – so that there is not a single chance for Russia to circumvent the sanctions. The power of sanctions is the power of peace. We constantly communicate with our partners for this purpose – the united world should only become stronger,” said the Ukrainian president.
Vladimir Zelensky noted the service of Ukrainian soldiers and thanked them for their work.
Today, the President thanked the military of the 72nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in the Ugledar direction and the 79th Brigade in Maryinka for their work.
In the Avdeevsky direction, the president noted the 31st, 47th, 53rd and 110th Mechanized Infantry Brigades.
In the Kupyansk direction, the 14th and 32nd separate mechanized brigades, as well as the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade, were noted.
“I am proud of everyone who fights for Ukraine, destroys the occupiers, and restores our positions. Who's in the trenches now? Who is at combat posts now? Who trains our warriors? Who produces weapons, shells and equipment for Ukraine. Who teaches our children? He who heals saves after blows. Ensures normal life in our cities. Who gives us light. Everyone who gives us confidence – our parents, our children… Who loves us. Who prays for us, for victory. Who helps us from all over the world. Those who survived the basements and occupation and did not break down. “Everyone who does everything every day to free Ukraine and Ukrainians from Russian captivity,” the head of state said at the end of the address.
