Speech
Volodymyr Zelensky  ·  2026-09-11 00:00

Участь Володимира Зеленського у 22-й щорічній зустрічі Ялтинської європейської стратегії

Thank you very much, Fari. I wish everyone good health. Glory to Ukraine. We are currently in Canada with the team . We are concluding this visit. We were in Norway. It is very important today not to waste time and find maximum protection for our state every day. First of all, this is, ah, air defense, systems, missiles, funding for scarce American missiles for Patriot, as well as AIMs for both the F16 and NASAMS systems. All these questions are very relevant. Unfortunately, because of the war, unfortunately, because of such an intensification of the military process by the Russian Federation. But nevertheless, there are positive things we do. In addition to PPU packages, it is very important to build your own defense system, ah, the sky and more. It will be needed both during the war and, of course, after it, because part of the security guarantees for Ukraine is the Ukrainian army, production, our capabilities, and our partnership ties with Europe, the United States, and Canada. In Norway, it was very important to meet Freya, our European. Today, Canadians are also interested. This will be, well, not only a European, but a global model of the PPU system, its anti-ballistic system. God willing, we will get it done as soon as possible . I have no doubt that everything will work out, but time always plays a big role. We met with all the countries and all the companies that build components for our respective Frey system. We really hope to start testing the first system at the end of December. At least that is the task. We have to do this in the winter. Well, then, God willing, if this is a successful test, we will start production. I want to thank the efforts of Europe, Canada for supporting the United States of America. We received emergency response programs, support programs, humanitarian support for our children, veteran programs, etc. A lot of things . But what is very important is that I would like today to be such a day, it is an important day and a day of strong people, but at the same time it is a rather tragic day. A tragic day, of course, 25 years ago, on September 11, an attack was made on people, in principle, on civilization. This is such a terrible blow, a tragedy. Ah, about 3,000 people died in the United States of America and from 90 countries around the world, including Ukrainians. And therefore, respect to all the heroes who did everything to save the lives of others. They were both police officers and firefighters. one of our Ukrainians, Ivan Skala. Ivan Skala, also a firefighter. He died during the tragedy. And I want to express my respect, honor, and sympathy. Of course, the pain, even after 25 years, does not go away for family and loved ones . And I want to thank NATO for showing its strength then. I think it's very important that there was a response to terrorism and that Article Five was applied. This suggests that there must be a response to any enemy and terrorist, if people want to preserve their civilization, their choice to protect their rights, freedoms, and values, because evil must be punished. It was done then. Whether this is enough or not is not for me to judge, but for historians, analysts, and again, first and foremost, the relatives and friends of all the deceased. But it is certain that there was a response, and the response was global. Today, Ukraine is primarily giving its answer to the Russians, to their terror, to their attacks, to their capture, to their murders. Uh, and that's a fair answer. And a question, uh, to all the partners, who we are very grateful to, who are with us. We are grateful that they are with us in this response, but the question is, is this enough, can we compare it to the application of Article Five? Can we compare this to the unification of the whole world around this terrible tragedy 25 years ago? Well, we probably can't compare these things. Ukraine today has a partnership, but there is no such opportunity, no such legal certainty. First of all, Ukraine is not in NATO, but for now, because these, I think, are very important security guarantees for our state. What are security guarantees? These are guarantees of peace. And peace is what Ukraine needs so much. I don't want to go into the details of that tragedy, which we very clearly understand, perceive, and feel. And we probably still need to move on to modern challenges, because our people live under attacks every day and they are no longer completely hidden. If we remember the first year of the war, the Russians always said that these were strikes on military infrastructure. Today they are openly attacking not only the agro-industrial complex, not only the ports, not only the civilian infrastructure, I mean the civilian ports, the infrastructure in Odessa, in the Mykolaiv region, in Kherson, in the border regions, Kharkiv. Chernihiv region. They are hitting everywhere: schools, universities, gas stations, people's supply lines, food warehouses, testing facilities, etc., energy facilities. This is what is happening. That is, the war is in a different stage. This is open war. This is not a SVO, this is open war. Russia against all living things with one goal: the complete occupation of Ukraine . And we are grateful that we have the opportunity to talk to you today , to raise, probably, any questions you want. Oh, and I'm open to our communication. I am very glad that you have such a respectable gathering. It's important that you arrived. I understand that everyone came to support the conference, but at the same time, the conference, the Yalta Conference, is one of the building blocks of the great support that is being provided to Ukraine. Each of these conferences, each of these meetings, in my opinion, is very important in order to demonstrate to Ukrainians that they are not alone with the enemy. Well, this is very important. And second, to demonstrate to the Russians that no one will abandon Ukraine until there is a just peace. Thank you. Mr. President, you are currently in Canada trying to make a deal on drones. You were in Europe, where you were trying to conclude an agreement on various types of weapons. Tell me, can all this replace, replace the huge hole that you are talking about, which is the decline of military support from the US. Last year, this stream practically dried up. Is n't this the biggest problem Ukraine is facing right now? Do you feel this hole? Thank you for your question. First of all, we must recognize that the United States of America provided us with 100 billion dollars in weapons support at the beginning of this war. And this support was very important. We will never forget this and we do not forget. And then Europe became a leader in this support today. And they seized this initiative. And it is very important that Ukraine did not lose everything during this difficult period. Well, and Europe is helping financially today. One hundred percent Europe. Plus, we are in Canada. Our package of 1 billion is a support package for Ukraine, and 1 billion is support for our energy projects together with business. These are also private partnerships. That is, in general, very serious support of up to 2 billion. This is not only support, it is also co-production, and investment in Ukraine, in renewable energy, etc. That is, this is an important activity. That's not the only reason I said that, not only Europe, but the EU is primarily the leader in financing Ukraine today during a long-term war. We buy weapons from the United States of America. The number one problem, as you can see, is no longer financing, although finance is always the number one problem, but with America we found a way out together with Europe. This is their bilateral support, this is the support of the EU, each country separately, as well as a-a m 45 + 45 90 billion for 26-27 years. Support for Ukraine is a lot of money, but it is not enough, because there is a long queue for Pack 2, Pack 3 missiles for the Patriots so that our people are protected, at least as strong as possible, and there is a big deficit. And we are having a very difficult time with this deficit. That's why I said there are alternatives to this, there are several steps. We understand what we need to do, we will do it, but we really want to get more understanding from America on this. Next, we are talking with the United States of America about licensing the production of systems and missiles, primarily Patriot missiles. And we received political support from President Trump, but I also want to tell you technically, our teams have already contacted and met with our manufacturers in the United States of America. But we want everything already today and already yesterday, as they say, yes, but nevertheless we expect that it will only be tomorrow. But it's very important that this goes faster tomorrow. And because, you know, as politicians, they say, "We'll do it tomorrow, but it could take months." All this does not give Ukraine strength. And therefore, we really hope that the decisions that have already been made, at least those that were positively positive, will lead to the desired result. As for the United States of America, I'm about 5 minutes away from our inclusion. I heard what you and the guests from the United States of America were talking about, talking about sanctions. Between us, I believe that America is institutionally capable of imposing sanctions, with or without the Linz bill. I will be frank. Linz and I were friends and he is very strong, and a very strong person who supported a supporter of Ukraine, who supported a person who always supported Ukraine during this war. And it is symbolic, of course, to vote and support Lindsey Graham's law. But, to be honest , we need to take this seriously. Sanctions should be imposed now, whether through a law or an administration decision, but the sanctions should be strong, because this is a tool that the United States of America has, a non-military tool, to deprive Russia of the ability to daily finance the war against, uh, Ukraine, against the people. And, to be honest, sometimes I don't understand why it's not possible to make decisions quickly, because during war, it's better to make a sometimes not-so-perfect decision than to do nothing. Therefore, in my opinion, decisions on sanctions, on economic restrictions, on energy restrictions on the Russian Federation, on restrictions on their construction of ballistic missiles, relevant weapons, such sanctions, such decisions should be made immediately. What are we doing? For what? What are we waiting for? For what? Russia uses ballistic missiles every day. 10 is rockets, 20, 50. Every person is important. One person dies, 10 or 20. Yes, every person's life is very important. Why do we all talk about sanctions only commenting on whether the United States Congress will adopt, support, or not the sanctions law? Of course, it must be accepted. With all due respect, first of all, to Linz. He gave his life defending American values, European values, Ukrainian values. And this is a very important historical moment for the history of the United States of America. Of course, accept and vote, support this law. But beyond that, this won't be enough. In addition, strong decisions by the administration of the President of the United States of America, personal decisions by President Trump, are important. Well, I really want to hope for that. Mr. President, we had an unusual event when two US negotiators, Vitkov and Kushner, visited Kyiv for the first time. Your conclusions from that visit, please, what conclusions did you draw from listening to them? There are opinions that they presented all of Putin's proposals, which Ukraine had already rejected at one time. They said that these were the worst proposals, that the Russians made even tougher demands. What were your conversations with them like? I am grateful to Steve and Jared for coming to Kyiv. It is fair to come to Ukraine and support them, because they are negotiators in the process of Russia's war against Ukraine. They have been to Russia several times and talked about Ukraine. I, you know, I always say publicly, to be honest, not publicly: "Well, you have to be and you have to come to understand that people live, that people walk on the streets. It is very difficult for us to live in the pauses, in the pauses between the blows, but nevertheless Putin did not take our lives. And now we are meeting online and you are in Kyiv. This is once again confirmation of so many guests. I thank you very much. Each of your trips, your arrival in Kyiv, is a signal that life in Ukraine exists, continues and Russia cannot succeed, and to defeat Ukraine means to defeat life. And that is why it was very important that the Americans came to us. In the end, they came. This is the first. I believe that this is a positive signal. The second story. I honestly believe that Steve and Jarrett came because Ukraine has strengthened its presence, a strong presence on the battlefield and in international institutions, in intelligence, etc., they are now discussing what the situation is in Ukraine. I know that Jarrett and Steve and Putin were told that Ukraine is now in a different situation on the battlefield. We are stronger there. Russia is not able to advance at high speed, and if it does advance, then with great losses, losses of its army. This is a very expensive process for the Russian Federation. Undoubtedly for Ukraine too. The war is expensive, but Russia is losing a large number of people, disproportionate, of course, to Ukrainian losses. I know that the negotiators reported all this, that is, their arrival emphasizes that Ukraine is in good shape. Of course, there is a big problem with drone strikes. Now the rocket launchers that Russia is using against Ukraine. Ukraine is looking for tools for 100% protection against rocket launchers. It has found several companies. Our industry needs some time, unfortunately, it took it to move to mass production, and therefore to use against rocket launchers. And everyone understands that dragging out the war, Today this is a challenge not only for Ukraine, a challenge for the Russian economy, a challenge for everyone in the world. Why do I say the whole world, everyone in the world? Take Farid, for example, the blockade of the Black Sea. Russia blocked the Black Sea in Ukraine. Ukraine responded to Russia's attacks. And today we have a blocked food corridor, the Food Security corridor is almost blocked on the Ukrainian side and blocked on the Russian side . That is, today we are finding other opportunities for ships to enter our ports and then leave with these products and not only with grain. And Russia is having the most difficult moments today . And this is a challenge for everyone. I talked to Egypt, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates. We found opportunities that we can do here. But Russia is also talking to everyone, because for Russia today this is a challenge. This shows that Ukraine has learned to find opportunities to respond adequately to Russian attacks. Of course, I am not comparing it to the humanitarian catastrophes that they are doing today, when They attacked, you remember, our nuclear generation. Of course, Ukraine does not do this. Well, yes. But nevertheless, Ukraine is able to respond to any, any operation of theirs by Russia. That is why the world feels it. There is nothing good from this war. But Russia knows that if they attack, and they are preparing, and, in the winter, attack our energy system, Russia will get the same. If they cause us blackouts, we will try to give them a worthy answer. But there is always an alternative, which Ukraine has always supported. These are negotiations. That is why the arrival of Zharity and Vitkov is important. The negotiation process must concern the end of the war. If Russia does not want to end it, then we need to find an approach to our partners. If it is difficult to find, then today at least we need to move step by step, that is, unblock the Black Sea and find the possibility of an energy truce, if I may say so, to use such a phrase, when the energy of both countries is protected. If the Russians, in other words, do not attack our energy system and our people will have light, Ukraine will not respond accordingly. That's what we're talking about. And certainly continue the track of prisoner exchanges, prisoners of war and the return of our civilians, journalists and various other citizens who were captured and taken to the Russian Federation and also the return of our Ukrainian children. This humanitarian track is very important. We talked with Steve and Jared about the fact that we should move towards a trilateral meeting. They agree with this. They will work on this. And we shared some details, they shared some of their ideas. I'm going to discuss them in more detail with the President of the United States of America in September. Do you think it's still realistic for Ukraine to ask for NATO membership? Because some of the leading members of the administration, the Secretary of Defense, in particular Peter Getsev, they have ruled that out. Do you think that Ukraine can and will be a member of NATO and will be? We should constantly talk about this, because, in my opinion view, NATO is not only a guarantee of security for Ukraine, it is also a way out of this situation. One of the ways out of this situation, from the situation of such a complex, protracted war. Because NATO is not only guarantees for Ukraine. The first is, of course, guarantees of security for Ukraine. Although we must be honest, the Ukrainian army is the most important guarantee of security for Ukraine. Second, NATO, Ukraine in NATO is a guarantee of security for Europe. Why? Because there is no such strong army in Europe . So far, of course, while Europe is being built, and it will receive information, technologies from us, we are in partnership and will develop. But no one in Europe has such an army. That is, the second reason is to strengthen Europe. Third, there are risks, which are constantly evidenced by the situation in the United States of America. Will America increase its presence in Europe due to threats such as Russia, or will it decrease it? In any case, in my opinion, we have not yet seen an increase in America's presence in Europe. Well, God forbid that America always strengthened Europe. In my opinion, everything is correct, but my opinion does not decide the relevant issues. The United States is demonstrating that the presence will be and may be reduced. Well, at least there is no talk of increasing it yet. That is, this is the second reason. The third reason is that it is also important for America to have Ukraine very strongly in Europe, because Ukraine will strengthen NATO countries. And this is not only weapons, it is technology, it is combat experience, it is a strong army. And that is why Ukraine today shares its experience with America and with other countries thanks to the Drondi Deal or thanks to other documents, other agreements. That is, this strengthening is and to be honest, there are probably many such reasons. One of the main reasons is guarantees for the Russians. The United States of America started negotiations with the Russian Federation, and they always returned with this feedback: "Okay, you will receive security guarantees from America and funding from Europe." And the Russians say: "If Ukraine receives security guarantees, what exactly do we get?" It sounds strange on the one hand that The aggressor asks: "What security guarantees?" Yes, but this also suggests that they no longer feel as strong as they were or as they seemed at the beginning of the war. So, NATO is a security guarantee for the Russians, too, that Ukraine will not be a weapon, as a NATO member, will not be able to simply return its lands with weapons. And this is possible exclusively through diplomacy. Therefore, the NATO issue is relevant in my opinion for all the elders. And as I said, I believe that the NATO issue and the EU issue can be one of the ways out of this terrible war. At this stage, after all those meetings with American negotiators, do you think that there is any possibility of a close truce? Maybe not even a truce, but some kind of informal agreement, whether it is about exchanging prisoners, or an agreement not to attack each other's civilian infrastructure, and to tamper with the energy infrastructure there. Do you think that there are any chances for any positives in this sense? Marie, let's take one example with you. Grain, yes, well, it will be any product, agricultural product. For whom is this a collapse? Let's be honest. That is, Ukraine, Ukrainians will not be left without food, but on the contrary, grain will fall in price, because you will not have the opportunity to export quickly, export will be expensive, there the infrastructure of this sale will be difficult, logistics will be terrible, that is, it will not be very profitable to export it and it will definitely remain because of this difficult situation, there will be a lot of agro in Ukraine. Ukraine, people get products cheaply. Business will lose itself, will lose business. But first of all, they will lose, yes, Ukrainian farmers will lose. And this will be very difficult for us. And this is a bad story. We will export everything. But I want to say that besides Ukraine, in such a situation, in a much worse situation, there will be other countries. which simply will not have food. And the question will no longer be about money, not about money, not about farmers, but about something else. Many peoples will not have anything to eat, even if they have money. This true, because Russia, having, I don't know, 50-70 million tons for export there, will not be exported either. and the countries of Africa, the African continent, Asia, they will be left without these opportunities. That is, it will be a truce only for agro. And this is a serious problem, that the people of the world do not have enough truce. Such an energy crisis. We want another crisis. To be honest, I do not understand this. And therefore I believe that not only Ukraine should solve this issue, because this is a challenge for many. Yes. And therefore, when we say whether there can be any result, yes, the results are all clear. Agro and energy are two challenges today for the whole world. And at least, again, if peace is impossible today, now this week, this month, because one person does not want it, well, the issue of an energy truce, food security can be resolved. Such decisions can be made. We raised these issues a long time ago, but now it is very relevant. I expect, that is why I said that in New York, if there is one, God willing, and the opportunity to go to New York, I count on a meeting with President Trump and on an understanding of the American position, our position, on an understanding that these are challenges that need to be addressed now. Not in the winter, now. Zelensky. Mr. President Zelensky, it was very nice to talk to you. Thank you for finding the time for this. Thank you. Thank you. Goodbye.