"We are preparing a powerful reinforcement": Zelenskyy talks about preparations for Ukraine's Independence Day. Video

On the evening of 18 August, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy traditionally addressed Ukrainians. He noted that the government is preparing powerful gifts for the Ukrainian military for Independence Day. The head of state also said that our country is preparing for upcoming meetings with partners to discuss strengthening the Ukrainian army.

Zelenskyy assured that Ukrainians would see all this news soon. Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address was published on the Youtube channel of the Presidential Office.

"We are doing everything to ensure that on the eve of our country's Independence Day, we can say that Ukraine has taken another step towards the circle of the world's strongest states," the president said.

Weapons for the Ukrainian military

The main task that our government is solving today is to strengthen Ukraine and our military, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed. According to him, there have already been some successes in this regard. The Head of State announced new assistance packages for partners

"Today and this week in general, this is the main task. Weapons for our soldiers. New opportunities for our defence. New support packages from our partners," the President stressed.

Meetings with partners

Zelenskyy stressed that the Ukrainian government has stepped up its diplomatic efforts in the international arena, particularly in Europe.

"We are preparing them (news for Ukraine - Ed.) with our neighbours in the EU. And also in those regions of Europe where our cooperation with states has so far been insufficient. And, of course, with our European partners, with whom we have repeatedly proved that European leadership in the defence of freedom is of global importance," the President stressed.

He also noted that Ukraine had already had important diplomatic successes this week. In particular, it concerns such initiatives as:

• The G7 Declaration on Security Assurances for Ukraine: as of today, 18 states have already joined;
• The Peace Formula: the President said that 63 diplomatic missions are already working to implement the points of the Formula on the basis of respect for international law and the UN Charter;
• The European Union: the Head of State stressed that the authorities are doing their best to ensure that Ukraine is ready to open membership negotiations this year.

Preparations for the Independence Day

The Head of State also said that next week is a time of important events for Ukraine. Therefore, our government is currently working on preparations for them.

"We will not lose a single day of preparation. We will not miss a single result for Ukraine. We work every day. Every day we add strength to Ukraine," the President stressed.

He also thanked everyone who works for Ukraine both domestically and internationally. According to him, this gives our country only strength.

Conference call on the situation at the frontline

On 18 August, the Ukrainian President held a meeting to discuss the supply of weapons from Western partners and the situation at the frontline.

"Reports from the military. The situation on the frontline. Government reports on the supply of weapons and ammunition. The report of the Security Service of Ukraine on "military commissars" and collaborators," Zelenskyy said.

The President noted that he had heard a separate report from the Border Guard Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Intelligence Service on the attitude to our IDPs in different countries, as well as on visa regimes.

Zelenskyy said that the heads of the departments had been given appropriate tasks.

"The rights of Ukrainian citizens must be guaranteed," the President stressed.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about new agreements on military assistance to Ukraine. The President noted that agreements with partners are being implemented and work is underway on the next packages.

On the morning of 18 August, Denmark and the Netherlands confirmed the US approval for the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine. Deliveries are expected after the completion of training for Ukrainian pilots.

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