Tomorrow, European leaders are meeting in Brussels. It will be a very important meeting. The outcome of this meeting – the result Europe produces – must make Russia feel that its desire to continue the war next year is pointless, because Ukraine will have support. This rests entirely with Europe; Europe must make this choice.
Today, we mark the Day of our Airborne Assault Forces – a day to honor our incredibly brave and exceptionally strong people, those always on the toughest fronts. Ukrainian paratroopers defend our independence and hold our positions in the most critical battles and operations. I thank every warrior of the Airborne Assault Forces for their service, and I thank all those who prove themselves in combat while also supporting their brothers and sisters-in-arms in learning to be effective, to take care of themselves, and to accomplish their combat missions.
Today, we bestow Ukrainian state awards on Airborne Assault Forces warriors who truly deserve them and can serve as examples for many others. Every unit of Ukrainian Airborne Assault Forces is our pride and our independence. It is thanks to such warriors of ours, thanks to every brave Ukrainian heart, that Ukraine stands – and will always stand – in the world, independent and capable of defending itself.
The Russian army has once again been forced to push back the deadlines it had drawn up for itself for capturing Pokrovsk and Dobropillia. And every Russian loss contributes to our ability to defend our state, our people, our independence.
It is symbolic that today we have the most positive European Commission report in three years. This gives Ukrainians even more motivation as Europe recognizes our joint efforts. Ukraine is doing everything to gain EU membership. Even in wartime, even amid the toughest battles, our state keeps moving forward in the membership talks, which is absolutely unprecedented across Europe. Every other EU member state has followed a much easier path.
It is crucial that our results are met with proper support in Europe – that the EU fulfills its commitments. Ukraine is ready to open the clusters, and we need a European decision on this. I thank everyone who is helping. I am proud of our people, proud of every single one of our warriors.