Office of the President of Ukraine

Офіс Президента України / Office of the President of Ukraine

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

Of course, the United States – we are in daily contact with them. We very much expect them to shift their focus from the Iranian issue to European matters. The war that Russia launched against Europe is, in fact, a war it is waging against the entire democratic world, and everyone must do their part to stop Russian aggression and its constant attempts to destabilize everyone around it.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Today, representatives of all Allied countries were present here in Ukraine at the NATO–Ukraine Council – after Russia tried to squeeze our partners out of the country and intimidate embassies.

The result was a highly symbolic meeting in Kyiv. Its main message is clear: Ukraine should be supported more. Especially in areas such as anti-ballistic capabilities.

Our partners have decided on new contributions to the PURL initiative – they are coming in June. We are also doing everything possible to accelerate Europe’s work on its own anti-ballistic capabilities.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

President Zelenskyy’s address at the first NATO–Ukraine Council meeting in Kyiv.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

Once again, Putin and his madness have “claimed victory” over the lives of ordinary children, residential buildings, and a clinic in Kyiv. “Shaheds” targeted high-rise buildings in Dnipro and, for some reason, also a car dealership with Chinese-made cars in Kyiv. A Zircon missile struck seven buildings at once. “Shaheds” also hit residential buildings in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and the Poltava region. There were strikes in the Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kherson regions. “Shaheds” struck the Khmelnytskyi region as well.

Every single one of these drones, all types of Russian missiles, cannot be produced at all without components imported from other countries. This means that in every such strike there is – perhaps not always conscious, but still real – complicity of those who work for Russia, who supply Russia with money, who help it bypass sanctions and find not just one or two, but thousands of components without which Russian military production would simply come to a halt.

Five Kalibr missiles contain 145 such components. Thirty-three Iskander missiles contain 1,122 components. Six hundred and fifty strike drones of various types contain more than 17,000 components, without which they could not be produced. These are large-scale schemes designed to bypass sanctions. And this is absolutely real complicity in the killings.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Unfortunately, the current level of supplies for our air defense does not allow us to intercept a significant share of missiles. Last night, there were hits. 130 people were injured. Tragically, 22 people were killed, including two children. My condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.

We know from intelligence that another large-scale strike may come as soon as tonight. All our partners together, and everyone in Europe, should continue working to ensure missiles for our air defense, as well as the systems, critical intelligence, and other things that help to save lives.

It is crystal clear that Europe needs its own anti-ballistic system with sufficient volumes and strength to guarantee protection against any threat.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

In May, the President held 26 international meetings and 16 phone calls. He made visits to Armenia, Bahrain, Romania, and Sweden.

➡️ With mediation by the American side, an agreement was reached to hold a 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange. The first stage took place on May 15 – 205 Ukrainians returned home.

➡️ In Yerevan, the Head of State took part in the European Political Community Summit. This was the first visit by a President of Ukraine to Armenia in the past 24 years.

➡️ In Manama, during his first visit to Bahrain, Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa a Drone Deal and proposed scaling up cooperation with Bahrain. This was the first meeting between the leaders of the two countries since 2003.

➡️ In Bucharest, the President took part in the B9 and Nordic Allies Summit and concluded a Drone Deal with Lithuania. Overall, Ukraine has already signed five agreements with partners in the Drone Deal format, with work ongoing on 20 more.

➡️ In Uppsala, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson agreed on Ukraine’s acquisition of up to 20 latest Gripen E/F aircraft. EUR 2.5 billion from the European Union support package will be allocated for this. The leaders also signed a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Security and Defense Cooperation.

Defense packages and other assistance:

➡️ Sweden: a USD 2.7 billion assistance package, under which Ukraine will receive 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets.

➡️ Norway: around USD 300 million for the PURL initiative and a EUR 40 million grant to support Ukraine’s energy resilience.

➡️ Canada: USD 200 million for the PURL initiative.

➡️ Finland: a EUR 128 million military assistance package.

➡️ Japan: its first contribution to the PURL initiative, amounting to nearly USD 15 million.

➡️ Spain: USD 58 million for the PURL initiative.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

There has been another interception of a Russian tanker – thank you, France. It is important that Europe takes a strong step and modernizes its legislation so that such tankers can not only be stopped, but also seized. The oil Russia is so eager to use to finance its war should instead be used to finance protection against aggression.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Between January and May this year, our warriors struck 15 Russian oil refineries. Russia has already imposed bans on exports of aviation fuel and gasoline, and is also considering a ban on diesel exports. As of May, nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity is offline.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Russia is now threatening other nearby countries far more openly than before. Every neighbor of Russia heard what was said about Armenia, whose people are the only ones who have the right to decide and will choose the future of their country. What Russia says about Armenia is, in truth, not about Armenia alone.

No one can be left without support – Europe has no right to lose any of its peoples, to leave any country behind. Armenia must be supported. Moldova must be supported. The Baltic states. Azerbaijan must be supported. We must find ways to support the people of Georgia as well – and this is a shared European task. No one can be lost.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

Ukraine will support Romania – our military and our specialists will work to strengthen the protection of the skies.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

We have intel indicating that Russia is preparing a new massive attack. Please pay attention to air raid alerts and stay safe.

Air defense and the continued need to help Ukraine protect its skies are our key priorities. I am grateful to every partner, every leader, and every country that is ready to help and that implements our arrangements in full.

The PURL initiative must work. This concerns both the United States and Europe. We are pooling funds from our European partners and other friends to purchase missiles, including for Patriot systems. Sufficient supplies depend on America, and we hope that Ukraine will be heard.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

During a working visit to Sweden, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, signed the Joint Declaration on Enhanced Security and Defense Cooperation. Sweden announced its largest �� the 22nd – defense support package for Ukraine, worth $2.7 billion, which will include Gripen fighter jets.

Sweden will transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine – deliveries are expected at the beginning of 2027. The aircraft will arrive in Ukraine with a matching weapons package, which will among other things help defend against Russian guided aerial bombs. Ukraine will also have the opportunity to purchase up to 20 next-generation Gripen E/F aircraft worth €2.5 billion, to be financed from the European support package.

This is the result of consistent and effective cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden over recent years.

February 2026 – the Defense Ministers of Sweden and Denmark announced joint funding and procurement of air defense systems for Ukraine worth $290 million. In February, Stockholm approved the 21st military support package worth $1.42 billion. It primarily includes air defense assets, long-range weapons, and ammunition.

December 2025 – the Government of Sweden adopted the state budget for 2026, in which it reduced funding for development programs in other countries in order to fully redirect and increase these funds toward financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and support for its recovery.

October 2025 – during the President of Ukraine’s visit to Sweden, the Letter of Intent Concerning Cooperation in the Field of Air Capabilities was signed between the countries, which laid the legal foundation for the transfer of Gripen fighter jets.

Also in October, Sweden, together with the Nordic and Baltic countries, signed a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the training of Ukrainian military personnel and the equipping of a Ukrainian brigade.

May 2024 – in Stockholm, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ulf Kristersson signed the Agreement on Security Cooperation and a ten-year long-term support. At that time, Sweden first agreed to transfer unique ASC 890 airborne early warning aircraft, Archer artillery systems, and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, with the prospect of localizing their production and maintenance in Ukraine.

Overall, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Sweden has allocated more than $13.5 billion in support for Ukraine, including $10.4 billion in military assistance, $2.6 billion in humanitarian assistance, and $500 million in financial support.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

Ukraine and Sweden agreed to launch a defense deal providing for the procurement of Gripen fighter jets.

➡️ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson have initiated the conclusion of a major defense deal, providing for the procurement of 20 Gripen E/F fighter jets. Ukraine plans to allocate €2.5 billion for this from financing provided by the European Union under the Ukraine Support Loan.

➡️ Following the implementation of this agreement, Sweden will transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine as bilateral assistance.

➡️ Sweden has also announced its largest military assistance package to Ukraine to date, worth $2.7 billion. In addition to the decision on Gripen deliveries, it includes long-range capabilities, ammunition, electronic warfare systems, and support for innovation.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

This week, I prepared a special letter addressed to the President of the United States and to Congress. And yesterday, the letter was officially delivered to the institutions in Washington. It is quite rare for the leader of another state to address both the President and Congress of the United States simultaneously with a letter. But the situation now requires action, swift and effective action.

It is important that America hear Ukraine. We understand that much of the world’s attention is currently focused on the war in Iran. But the war here in Europe must also be brought to an end – a very bloody war that is already in its fifth year at full scale.

The sooner we are able to provide greater protection against ballistic threats, the sooner we will be able to make diplomacy work. As long as Russia continues to rely on missiles, its interest in diplomacy is not real. We must correct this. And we can do so only together with America.

Ukraine is grateful to America for all its support. And Ukraine will be even more grateful for a dignified peace and guaranteed security. All of this is possible – if there is sufficient determination.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

We are working with all our partners on air defense for Ukraine – this is the first priority. Anti-ballistic capabilities are now in short supply globally because of the war with Iran, but we must look for solutions.

We are trying to accelerate work in Europe on producing our own anti-ballistic capabilities on the continent in sufficient quantities. We will also continue engaging with the United States regarding its ability to support Ukraine.

The PURL program is working, and we are grateful for that. Europe is helping us financially. But strong leadership from the United States in expanding anti-ballistic production is also urgently needed.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Since last night, first responders and all necessary services have been working wherever needed. As of now, at least 83 people have been confirmed injured since midnight. Tragically, there are fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones.

It was a heavy attack – 90 missiles of various types, many of them ballistic missiles – 36 in total. There were 600 drones. Unfortunately, not all of the ballistic missiles were intercepted – the largest number of hits was in Kyiv. Kyiv was the primary target of this Russian attack.

Putin can’t even pronounce the word “hurrah” clearly anymore – slurs and mumbles – yet he is still vanquishing residential buildings with his missiles. Launched three Russian missiles against a water supply facility. Burned down a market. Damaged dozens of residential buildings. Hit several ordinary schools. Launched his “Oreshnik” against Bila Tserkva. They really are unhinged.

It is important that this does not pass without consequences for Russia. Today, everyone in the world who will not stay silent and chooses to help Ukraine is a defender of life. It is critically important to continue working to secure air defense for Ukraine, especially anti-ballistic capabilities.

We are doing our best to achieve peace and protect people – everything. It is important that Ukraine is not alone. Decisions are needed – from the United States, from Europe and others – to make that old “Oreshnik” in Moscow finally utter the word “peace.”

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

Today, I signed a new Ukrainian sanctions package that we must ensure is extended to other jurisdictions as well.

These sanctions target the occupiers – more than one hundred Russian military personnel involved in missile and drone strikes against our country and our people.

There is also a package targeting vessels used by Russia to transport cargo for the war – weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.

We are also preparing new sanctions decisions – both long-range and legal.

From President Zelenskyy’s address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

We are actively engaged in diplomatic work with our partners in the European Union to bring Ukraine’s membership in the EU closer. Ukraine is fighting for its life, for its independence, and for the Europe that has lived in peace the longest, that protects people, life and culture, and that, thanks to this protection, plays a truly global role.

There can be no complete European project without Ukraine, and Ukraine’s place in the European Union must also be complete – full and equal. It is important to open the clusters. It is important to make meaningful progress in the negotiations. It is important to work at one hundred percent for security and for our people.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Ukraine’s positions are stronger now than in previous years. Since the beginning of the year, 590 square kilometers of our territory have been liberated and brought under Ukrainian control. The trend is certainly not in the occupier’s favor. We continue to increase the rate at which Russian personnel are being eliminated, and together with sanctions in all their forms, this is forcing Russia toward diplomacy.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Today, in Slavutych, in the north of our country, I met with the heads of communities of the northern regions – Kyiv and Chernihiv regions. It is very important to support our people here and strengthen our defenses, and that is exactly what we are doing.

This concerns protective infrastructure – fortifications and other defensive measures – as well as strengthening the border, which will be reinforced further. It also concerns our Defense and Security Forces stationed in this direction – toward Chernihiv and Kyiv from the territory of neighboring Belarus, which Russia is eager to draw deeper into this war, and from Russia’s Bryansk region.

We have the capability to strengthen our defenses. We also have the capability to act preventively with regard to Russian territory from which threats may emerge, and with regard to the de facto leadership of Belarus, which must stay on its toes – that is, clearly understand that there will be consequences if aggressive actions against Ukraine, against our people, are taken.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

There were productive contacts between our team and the American side – both on issues of our security cooperation and on diplomacy regarding the Russians. If, in the coming weeks, we manage to return to meaningful trilateral communication and involve the Europeans, this would be the right outcome. For our part, we are ready for such steps. I count on our partners to be ready as well – and that the Russians will not hide.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Today I want to commend our warriors, who once again showed that Ukrainian long-range sanctions are working effectively. The distance was nearly 800 kilometers from Ukraine’s state border – the city of Kstovo, oil refining – strike confirmed. Overall, our long-range plan for May is being carried out largely in full. The key targets are Russian oil refineries, storage facilities, and other infrastructure tied to these oil revenues. I am grateful for the additional proposals from our special services. We will be acting on them. We will be responding.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

Our Ukrainian heroes of different generations, who defended the idea of Independence, fought for our state, and were buried across Europe, in America, and in other countries – we are bringing them home. We have both the opportunity and the moral duty to rebury them here in Ukraine, at home.

A process has now begun regarding Colonel Andriy Melnyk and his wife Sofia – iconic Ukrainians of the twentieth century who are deeply respected. Decisions are also being prepared regarding Colonel Yevhen Konovalets and other major historical figures.

The Ukrainian people deserve their historical memory – and we are strengthening this true memory.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

This month saw changes in the dynamics on the frontline in Ukraine’s favor. We are holding more positions and inflicting more damage. The impact of our long-range sanctions against Russia has been especially significant. Today, I approved our long-range action plans for June.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

Already now, a significant number of Russian regions are in a state of bankruptcy, and Putin is leading Russia toward bankruptcy.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

In just recent months, Russia’s oil refining has dropped by 10%, and Russian oil companies are being forced to shut down their oil wells.

As for Russia’s overall state revenues – thanks to our comprehensive pressure at all levels – within the first five months of this year, Russia’s deficit has already grown far beyond what it had planned for the entire year.

Putin has, of course, built a war chest – but certainly not enough to fight indefinitely. Every one of our responses, every joint step of pressure together with our partners, pushes Russia closer to ending its war.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

I want to thank our warriors – those who are currently on the frontline, every combat brigade. A lot has been done this year, and the shift in the balance of actions on the battlefield is visible. In particular, there were more Ukrainian active operations over the past 24 hours than Russian operations.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Our long-range capabilities are significantly changing the situation – and, more broadly, the world’s perception of Russia’s war. Many partners are now signaling that they see what is happening and how everything has changed – both in attitudes toward this war and in the reachability of Russian targets on Russian territory.

The war is quite predictably returning to its “native harbor,” and this is a clear signal that one should not pick a fight with Ukraine or wage an unjust war of conquest against another people.

[Office of the President of Ukraine @APUkraine]

This week, the first stage of the one-thousand-for-one-thousand POW exchange took place. We are preparing the next stages. Work on the lists and all necessary approvals is ongoing. I thank everyone involved.

From President Zelenskyy’s evening address.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Russia took another step regarding Transnistria – the Russians simplified access to citizenship for people originating from this region of Moldova. It is a very telling move. It means not only that Russia is looking for new soldiers in this way – because citizenship also entails military obligation – it is also Russia's way of staking a claim to Transnistria’s territory.

Those in Moscow often tell various interlocutors that supposedly only Donbas interests them. In reality, far more than Donbas is at stake. We must respond to this. All the more so as the presence of the Russian military contingent and special services in Transnistria also poses a challenge for us. We are interested in a stable and strong Moldova.