Today, as every year on June 22, there will be a lot of grandstanding in Russia about World War II, about one of its bloodiest chapters – Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union. A time that for Ukraine has always been a reminder of the importance of peace and of paying tribute to millions of innocent victims of World War II. This was the very period in the 20th century that should have forever changed the way every state and the world as a whole view human life – establishing life itself as the true highest value. There would have been no world wars if the leaders of that era had been guided by the value of human life rather than their imperial delusions.
Yet today, Russia began this day not by honoring those who fell in World War II, and not with signals that could help bring the current war – Russia’s war against Ukraine – closer to an end. Instead, it began with more completely unjustifiable killings. In the Sumy region, a Russian drone killed a child, a grandmother, and a man. The mother and two other children from the same family were wounded. Their home was destroyed. An ordinary home – not a military target whatsoever. In Zaporizhzhia, two people were killed overnight by Russian strikes, and seven others were injured. Tragically, the Odesa region has also seen lives lost. Strikes were carried out against the Kherson, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions. Once again, Russia targeted energy infrastructure in the Chernihiv region.
This Russian war has no justifiable cause. Putin was driven by exactly the same motives as the aggressors who came before him. He shows the same contempt for human life. He is just as delusional about this absurd “empire” of his that nobody needs. This war must be brought to an end. It has been taking people's lives for nearly five years now. This full-scale war has already lasted longer than World War I. Perhaps Russia wants to wait until it has lasted longer than World War II as well. But the world certainly does not want that, and it certainly has the power to prevent it. There must be pressure on Putin, pressure on Russia, so that all of this ends in a dignified peace and with real, guaranteed protection for human life. Ukraine has put forward every proposal needed for diplomacy. Through our collective pressure on the aggressor, we must bring Russia to a point where it has no option left but diplomacy and ending the war. Thank you to everyone helping us defend Ukraine. Thank you to everyone helping us protect human life.
Keir, thank you for all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger.
The United Kingdom has been, is, and will remain among the world’s leaders. Here in Ukraine, we deeply value Britain, and every meeting and every conversation we have had has always been filled with real substance.
Thank you for always being in touch, always engaged, and always striving to do what is needed and what will truly help.
I wish the United Kingdom and all British people every success as well as realisation of your national goals. We have confidence in Britain.
Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine.
@Keir_Starmer
Just yesterday, Russian guided aerial bomb strikes on Zaporizhzhia killed 5 people and injured 26 others. In Poltava, tragically, 2 people were killed and 12 were injured as a result of the shelling, including 6 children. My condolences to their families and loved ones.
The Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, and Rivne regions also came under attack. Our frontline and border communities are constantly targeted by drones. In total, this week alone, the Russians launched about 2,200 attack drones, more than 1,800 guided aerial bombs, and 87 missiles of various types against Ukraine.
It truly matters that, against the backdrop of these attacks, the G7 and European Council summits and the UDCG meeting delivered results and secured new contributions to strengthen our defense. I am grateful to our partners for their unity. It is now equally important to implement everything quickly, above all the delivery of air defense missiles, so that these new contributions provide real protection for lives from constant Russian strikes. Thank you to everyone who is helping.
Prime Minister Meloni fires back at Trump:
“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.
As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.
That is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation.
In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
Prime Minister Meloni fires back at Trump:
“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.
As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.
That is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation.
In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
Regarding Belarus.
When the full-scale war began, we were hit by missiles that killed children and adults. And Alexander Lukashenko knows this. A large number of missiles were launched from Belarus. Back then, he called, apologized, and said it was out of his control. I don’t believe that, but that’s what he’s already said. Now, Russia will keep pushing him further into this war. Now, he understands that Ukraine will respond.
There’s no need for extra words. There are retransmitters on his communication towers. On his territory, along the two regions bordering Ukraine, there is equipment that adjusts fire on our people. He should remove that equipment. I think a week is enough for him to do that. Because right now, every day, our civilians are being killed, and children are being wounded as a result of this. If he doesn’t do it, we will.
The same goes for his oil-refining sector, for example. We are doing everything so that the Russians don’t have the ability to sell oil and supply diesel and fuel to their army. Today, Belarus is one of the key suppliers for the Russian army. Can this be stopped? I’m sure it’s within his power. And he is the one who controls it.
As for the drone strike on a bus with Belarusian children, everyone has already acknowledged it – international experts and, it seems, even the Russians are admitting it wasn’t our strike. The Russians will resort to all sorts of provocations to drag the Belarusian people into this war. This is one of them.
From the joint press interaction with the President of Honduras, Nasry Asfura. (1/3)
Regarding the results of the G7 Summit.
First, I received a positive signal from the entire G7, including President Trump, on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. For the first time, the idea of licensing the production of missiles is seen positively by the American side. Now, they will hold all the necessary consultations with Raytheon and other manufacturers. I really hope they come back with a positive answer.
Second, no one sees that Putin is willing to sit down and end this war through dialogue. There’s a sense that even people around him understand that he can’t occupy Ukraine and win this war. We very much want this war to end as soon as possible. For that, we need sanctions. And President Trump said he would return to this policy. That’s also a good signal.
Third, we will be receiving significantly more support. These are President Trump’s words. The goal is for Putin to understand that support will not stop, so it would be better for him to stop the war.
From the joint press interaction with the President of Honduras, Nasry Asfura. (2/3)
"I AND ITALY NEVER BEG"
MELONI SLAYS TRUMP AFTER HE SAY: "Meloni? She begged me for a photo, I felt sorry for her"
Giorgia Meloni's rasping response: "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up, I'm frankly appalled. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies; after all, it's not the first time it's happened. I can only say it's a shame that he doesn't show the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States, with leaderships toward which he instead proves much more accommodating; however, one thing he must remember: I and Italy never beg."
Italian PM Meloni to Trump:
So, certain things deserve an immediate response.
Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly appalled. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way towards his allies; after all, it's not the first time it's happened.
I can only say it's a pity that he doesn't show the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States, with leaders towards whom he instead proves to be much more accommodating.
But he must remember one thing: Italy and I never beg.
Ukraine believes that every democratic nation in Europe deserves to be a full member of the EU. And we are working as actively as possible to achieve this.
Please, do not forget that Ukraine merits it because it has paid more than any other European country for its right to be free, independent, and European. This right is not only for Ukraine. It is also the right of other nations to be independent from Russia.
The future of Europe – free, united and in peace – is being decided in our defense. That shows how unique our situation is. I’m grateful to everyone who recognizes this and who takes the necessary steps to show that Europe truly values and supports it.
The most important such step could be a fast-track path for Ukraine to join the EU.
From an address at the EU Council meeting. (1/3)