We need this step - a step that will force Russia to seek peace - a speech of the President of Ukraine at a meeting of the UK government

Thank you very much, dear Kire, dear Prime Minister! Dear members of the Cabinet of Ministers! For me and for all Ukrainians, it is very symbolic and important to have such strong support and trust from the United Kingdom - this is the first such meeting of the British Cabinet of Ministers. Thank you very much. I sincerely hope that this beginning of work of the new UK government will open even more common opportunities for us - Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

From the first days of this Russian war, our people felt that Britain, your people would not only stand with us, but also help to bring victory closer. And I am grateful that British self-esteem and your love for life have always been reflected in your leadership-truly significant and useful.

Britain took good steps, and every new step strengthened our men and women in the front line, our successes, especially in the Black Sea, increased our political capabilities and our stability as a nation, army and society. Of course, Russia is afraid of such support. Moscow knows that you in London are able to make decisions that can lead this war to the end. And it will be the right end - fair and honest. We should remember that in many aspects Russia is weaker. Their intelligence is weaker.

Their diplomacy has turned into simple bribes, lies or threats. They are not economically strong. The only competitive advantage that is still in Putin is a large stock of weapons of Soviet times, money and complete disregard for human life. The mixture is quite dangerous. We need to deprive Putin's money and the ability to make more weapons. And for his disdain for human life, he must pay - his loss and his defeat. How can we provide it? Now we do not have the main answer to this question.

And this is our range. Protecting Ukraine from Russian offensive in Kharkiv in May-June, we have proven that we can stop any attempt by Russia to expand the war if restrictions on the use of Western weapons against the Russian military. As soon as we can strike further than just near the border, including the Russian military airfields, we will not only protect ourselves from any Russian offensive, but also protect our leading positions and cities from Russian bombs.

Putin is not ashamed to bombard residential quarters, urban areas, hospitals and schools. Russia uses about 3,500 managed aircraft per month. It is impossible to knock them down. But you can destroy all carriers. And I ask you to show this in this leadership and please convince other partners to remove the restrictions. We need this step - a step that will make Russia look for peace. Mr. Prime Minister! I would like to appreciate the vigor with which you have started the new government.

And yesterday we already had a very productive meeting-thank you very much-with representatives of the defense-industrial complex. There were also defense and trade ministers. The meeting was truly subject. And I hope we will work even more actively now. In fact, it is important not to lose a single day when making changes, and the faster you act, the greater the results you achieve.

And the same principle concerns Russia's pressure for the war: we must be as energetic as possible so that the aggressor cannot use a single day to adjust to pressure on it. I thank Britain and all partners who provide real sanctions against Russia and who work with us on a decision that will allow all profits from frozen Russian assets to use to protect against Russian aggression, and later allow these assets to confiscate. It is also fair.

And I want to emphasize that today a sense of security for every person cannot be separated from the overall security situation in the country and the ability of the state to defend themselves. I appreciate your task to make Britain and the whole of Europe safer and secure. I hope you succeed. Our bilateral security agreement with the United Kingdom was the first and largely model for other agreements. We are extremely grateful for such leadership in Ukraine.

I hope we can reach the main goals of our Agreement over the years of your government's work. I very much appreciate the fact that our ministers have just signed a defense-industrial support agreement, a practical document. We must remember that security and defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom is always important. And, of course, I invite you, Kire, visit Ukraine. Thank you very much.