Over this week, the Russians have launched more than 2,300 attack drones, nearly 1,560 guided aerial bombs, and 108 missiles of various types against our people. All these strikes were directed simply at ordinary civilian infrastructure – residential buildings and energy facilities. Every day, we are working to ensure greater protection against Russian terror. Yesterday, we received a new IRIS-T launcher. We thank Germany for its constant contribution to protecting people; thousands upon thousands of lives have been saved thanks to such strong support. But we also need missiles for air defense systems so that we have sufficient capabilities to repel Russian attacks.
This week, there were significant arrangements with Sweden – a new support package, including for strengthening our aviation with Gripen fighter jets. As for the PURL initiative, there are new contributions this year, and support for this initiative must continue. We are counting on both the United States and European partners. It is anti-ballistic defense that is one of the key priorities for Ukraine.
Strong air defense can provide greater protection for our people and deprive Russia of its last remaining advantage. I thank all partners who are helping, who are ready to respond effectively to Moscow’s attempts to expand and escalate its war. It is very important that this be clearly understood there: choosing war will have consequences. I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.
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.