"Air defence key priority; next week meetings expected for energy packages": Zelenskyy
Kyiv, February 16
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday thanked the United States and Germany for support to Kyiv's air defence system amid the war against Russia.
After returning from the Munich Security Conference, in a video message to Ukrainians, Zelenskyy hailed the drone production line in collaboration with Germany. He added that Kyiv expects to hold meetings with world leaders on new energy packages.
The Ukrainian President said, "I am back in Kyiv after two intense days at the Munich Security Conference. There were many meetings, but most importantly, there will be new support packages for Ukraine. The key priority is missiles for air defence, for protection against ballistic missiles. This is why we discussed it in Munich, also with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We hope the agreements will work as needed. Thanks to Germany, we have a new strike drone production line, and will continue to expand these efforts of joint development, joint production, pan-European programs and financial instruments."
"Next week, we expect meetings and work aimed at new energy packages. This concerns both recovery after strikes and necessary equipment," he added in the video message posted on X.
Furthermore, he asked the public to heed air raid alerts.
"Several cold days lie ahead, and everyone has already seen how the Russians exploit this. Please take care of yourselves and heed air raid alerts. We are in constant contact with all partners, emphasising that each such threat only worsens the prospects for ending the war," Zelenskyy said.
In Munich, Zelenskyy had unveiled the German-Ukrainian joint venture for producing drones for the Ukrainian Army. In an X post, he said the drone line is "battle-tested and powered by AI."
The United Kingdom also announced a new air defence package worth over Euro 500 million for Ukraine.
This comes in the backdrop of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which is expected be held in Geneva on February 17-18.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While my heart goes out to the people of Ukraine, I can't help but think of our own defence needs. We have two hostile neighbours and must ensure our air defence systems are top-notch too. Jai Hind.
The focus on drone production with AI is interesting. India is also developing its drone capabilities. Maybe there are lessons or even collaboration opportunities here for our defence sector.
The energy packages are crucial. Infrastructure attacks in winter are a war crime. The international community's support for recovery is a moral duty.
Respectfully, I have to say the constant flow of billions in aid to Ukraine while many parts of the world struggle with poverty and debt is a point of concern. Diplomacy should be the absolute priority to end this war, for everyone's sake.
The trilateral meeting in Geneva is the key thing to watch. Hope it leads to some de-escalation. No one wins in a prolonged war, especially not the common people.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.