Another massive Russian strike – in their typical style and in fact contrary to the diplomatic work that is ongoing at various levels – address of the President

And it is important that, in the future, Ukrainian diplomats, Ukrainian government officials, and the Ukrainian military, together with our partners, continue to actively work on what really works. Missiles for Patriots, missiles for IRIS-T and for all the other systems we have - all of these are required virtually every day to protect life.

This night, the Russians attacked, including, the objects on which the work of nuclear plants depends, and this is a danger for Ukraine, and for our entire region, and for Europe. Today, units of our Ukrainian nuclear power plants reduced generation, one unit automatically shut down. This is such a level of attacks that no terrorist in the world could afford, and Russia should feel the responses of the whole world - all those who are really interested in security.

And Russia must demonstrate that for them not only such strikes and war are important, but also the negotiations that are ongoing and that should produce results. I want to thank the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, all our rescuers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, communal services that work, as well as all energy companies - all state and private companies.

Now everyone should work as coordinated as possible, and today I want to thank everyone who works just like that - professionally and really selflessly. Repair crews and emergency crews are deployed all over our country. Involved forces on the territory actually from the Volyn region to the border communities of Chernihiv region and Kharkiv region.

There is still a lot of work to be done in Kyiv, in Kyiv Oblast, in the regions of Central Ukraine, as well as in Frankiv Oblast, Vinnytsia Oblast, and some of our other regions. He also instructed the government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide all the necessary assistance to Odesa and Mykolaiv regions due to difficult weather conditions - severe temperature drops. It is not easy on the roads in the southern regions and in general for the communal sphere. There must be help.

Today I also had a meeting with the Minister of Defense of France: the minister is visiting Ukraine. He informed about the consequences of today's strike. We discussed what is urgently needed for the stability of Ukraine, for our protection. First of all, it is air defense, military aviation and joint work for defense, to strengthen Europe. I thank France for all the support given. I will also be grateful for the implementation of what we talked about today. And one more thing.

There was a detailed conversation with our negotiating team after negotiations both with the Americans and, in a tripartite format, with the Russians. I believe that every meeting is important, every meeting adds clarity to how and when the war can really end. For Ukraine and in general for the reliability of the agreements, it is fundamental that there are security guarantees and that Russia does not return to Ukraine with a third invasion.

Security guarantees are something that can really give more confidence to both the diplomatic process and the desired outcome. We are currently working on the documents that the boys returned with, as well as on the schedule of further actions - further meetings and steps. I want to thank the team for their work, and in the coming days we will work with the team on preparation for the next formats. I will also inform our partners in Europe about what is on the table and what the prospects are.