Zelensky outlines bold strategies as Ukraine battles Russian aggression

- If our partners had lifted all restrictions on long-range capabilities, Ukraine would not have to physically enter the Kursk region to protect Ukrainian citizens in the border area and destroy Russia's aggression potential - declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky delivered a speech at the annual meeting of heads of foreign diplomatic missions. The President of Ukraine raised five issues. He talked, among other things, about the action in the Kursk region and the support he needs from other countries.

Zelensky initially conveyed that Ukrainian warriors are continuing defensive actions in designated areas of the Kursk region. As he mentioned, Ukrainian forces control over 480 square miles of enemy territory and 92 settlements.

- Strengthening our positions, stabilising designated areas, and replenishing the exchange fund (prisoners - ed) are ongoing. This operation has become our biggest investment in the process of liberating Ukrainians from Russian captivity – we have already captured the largest number of Russian prisoners in one operation. This is one of our goals, and our actions are continuing - he said.

Zelensky emphasised that he still cannot publicly disclose which units were involved in the action but expressed his gratitude to each.

According to Zelensky, "a few months ago many people around the world would have said that this is impossible and that it would cross the strictest red lines of all." He explained that for this reason, practically no one knew about the preparations until the last moment.

- And now the real success of our warriors speaks for itself. Our active actions abroad, as well as Putin's inability to defend his territory against our actions, are very telling. He listed that our proactive, preemptive defence is the most effective counterbalance to Russian terror, causing significant difficulties for the aggressor state.

Zelensky stated that "the whole naive, illusory concept of the so-called red lines against Russia has collapsed thanks to this."

The world sees that everything in this war depends solely on courage—ours and our partners', on brave decisions for Ukraine, on courage in supporting Ukraine, and on brave steps—and not only ours. It is important that our partners align with us in their determination, and then Russia will have no other choice but to agree to a fair peace, stated Zelensky, before smoothly moving to the five issues most important to him.

He first mentioned the approval for the use of long-range weapons. He announced that Ukrainian diplomats in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other countries would exert influence on partners in this matter.

- Putin's reaction to the operation in the Kursk region proves that there is no rational reason not to allow us to be truly strong. And the situation in the Donetsk region is such that further delay (consent to use long-range missiles - ed.) becomes de facto one of the most important pillars of Russian offensive potential - stated Zelensky.

Next, Zelensky called for even greater sanctions on Russia.

- The sanctions already imposed by the world have indeed significantly limited the economy and capabilities of Putin's regime. However, Russia's relations with some regimes, such as in Pyongyang and Tehran, create new sources of threats, not only for us. Moscow is still using the Russian nuclear industry to maintain its spheres of influence in the world. The Russian banking sector still maintains connections with the global system - admitted the President of Ukraine.

As the third point, Zelensky mentioned the need for support from partners - he listed military, financial, and political issues.

- You all know that we can produce many more drones than we currently have the means for. We are also constantly increasing production of Ukrainian artillery. We are working on the production of ammunition. Now, in the countries where you work, budget processes will be taking place, and your task will be to convince our partners of the necessity of further investments in our collective security - he appealed.

The fifth issue he mentioned is the peace summit. - Now we are preparing for the second Peace Summit and we have to work to ensure it takes place this year. We must do everything possible for this purpose - he admitted.

As the next issue, he mentioned uniting Ukrainians, which he called a "painful problem."

- In some parts of the world, there are more Ukrainians, in others fewer, but we must recognise our nation as global because that is the reality. Therefore, we must modernise our state institutions to match the current task of uniting all Ukrainians around Ukraine, around the defence of Ukraine, and around strengthening our position in the world. I believe that to achieve this, we must increase our institutional presence in partner countries - he listed.

Zelensky announced that this would be done in two ways. First, new consulates will be opened in Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and France. Second, the Ministry of Ukrainian Unity and Counteracting Russian Influence on Ukrainians Abroad will be established.

- We all see how Russia uses massive propaganda resources abroad, especially targeting Ukrainians [...] We also see that the educational, cultural, and informational needs of Ukrainians in other countries require more activity from our state. And this is fundamentally a new task for Ukraine - he explained.

At the end of his speech, Zelensky said that "every representative of Ukraine should work on strengthening the understanding that NATO will be complete only with Ukraine as a member." Meanwhile, the negotiation process with the European Union must be dynamic. The President of Ukraine also talked about the Black Sea region, which in his opinion, must be free from Russian military threats.

- Initiatives such as Grain from Ukraine, the Crimea Platform, and bilateral cooperation in the region should be strengthened - he listed.

Zelensky also said that he needs economic and security interactions with Africa and Latin America. As an example, he cited what has been achieved with Japan.

- The entire Asia-Pacific region is currently one of the centres of events that will decide the shape of the coming decades. Ukraine has its view on global development, and it should only be peaceful development within the framework of a rules-based world order. Ukraine is ready to contribute to the appropriate processes as a security donor and defender of the international order. We will strengthen our diplomatic presence in the Asian region - summarised Zelensky.

In conclusion, he summarised that he is grateful to all who truly work to their fullest on behalf of the Ukrainian state and nation.