Strengthening Ukraine's air shield and defense against attacks is a top priority, and every international partner that contributes to this is lifesaving.
This was stated on Saturday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address, quoted by "Ukrinform".
Ukraine is currently working on securing more resources from its partners to strengthen the air defense system.
"Defense against shelling is an absolute priority. Much more needs to be done, but every one of our partners around the world who helps us with this is lifesaving, Zelensky stressed, adding that this is what everyone should focus on now. This is what everyone in the world should be thinking about now: about life, about cooperation, about putting pressure on the aggressor and about bringing real peace closer. Peace that Russia will not give. Peace that they can only be pressured to give. And we will do it!", Zelensky assured.
Zelensky earlier said that sanctions should be really strong to prevent Russia from acquiring foreign-made components for missiles and drones.
We recall that earlier on Saturday, the administration of President Donald Trump called on Ukraine to hold elections by the end of 2025, especially if a ceasefire with Russia is reached in the coming months. This was stated by his special representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg.
According to Kellogg, the presidential and parliamentary elections, which were postponed due to the war, should be held as soon as possible, since democratic countries usually organize elections even during conflicts.
"It is important that this happens. This is the basis of a strong democracy - to have more than one candidate," Kellogg stressed.
Trump and Kellogg claim to be working on a plan to stop the war, but they have not yet revealed details about it. According to White House officials, the idea of holding elections in Ukraine has been discussed as part of a possible ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Among the options discussed is imposing a temporary peace that would allow for presidential elections. Ukraine’s elected leader will then be tasked with negotiating a long-term agreement with Moscow.
Zelensky has already said that elections can only be held if hostilities cease and there are strong international guarantees that Russia will not resume attacks.
Although the Trump administration has yet to formally request that Kiev hold elections by the end of 2025, the issue was raised as early as 2023 under Joe Biden as part of U.S. efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, as his term expires in 2024 but martial law in Ukraine prevents elections. Moscow insists that Zelensky has no legal right to sign international agreements, but has suggested that he could participate in negotiations.