It is very symbolic and important for all Ukrainians that we have such strong support and trust from the UK. This is the first meeting of the British Cabinet of this kind. I hope this new beginning will open up even more shared opportunities for Ukraine and the UK.
From the first days of this Russian war, our people have felt that Britain would not only stand by us but also help bring victory closer. I am grateful that British self-respect and their love of life have always resonated in their leadership—truly meaningful and helpful.
Britain has taken good steps, and every new move they have made has strengthened our men and women on the frontlines, our successes in the Black Sea, and our resilience as a nation, an army, and an entire society.
Russia fears such support. In Moscow, they know that here in London, there is the decision-making power that can steer this war towards its end—just and fair.
We have to remember that in many aspects, Russia is weaker. Their intelligence is weaker. Their diplomacy has turned into mere bribes, lies, or threats. Economically, they are not strong.
The only advantage Putin has is a large supply of Soviet-era weapons, money, and a disregard for human life. We must deprive him of money and the ability to produce more weapons. For his disregard of human life, he must pay—with losses and defeat.
How can we ensure this? We need long-range capability. By defending Ukraine against the Russian advance on Kharkiv in May-June, we've proven we can stop any Russian attempt to expand the war if restrictions on using Western weapons against the Russian military are lifted.
Once we can strike farther than just near the border, including Russian military airfields, we will not only protect ourselves from any Russian offensives but also secure our frontline positions and cities from Russian bombs.
Putin has no shame in hitting residential areas, city squares, hospitals, and schools with bombs. Russia uses about thirty-five hundred guided bombs per month. It is impossible to shoot them all down.
But it is possible to destroy all the bomb carriers. The UK should show leadership in this and convince other partners to remove the limits. This step is needed—a step that will force Russia to seek peace.
The energy with which the Prime Minister has started the work of the new Government is remarkable. Yesterday, there was a productive meeting with the defense industries, attended by the secretaries of defense and trade. I hope we will now work even more actively.
When making changes, it's crucial not to lose a single day. The faster you act, the more results you achieve. The same principle applies to pressure on Russia for the war—we must be as energetic as possible so the aggressor can't use any day to adapt to the pressure on him.
I thank Britain and all the partners who provide the real power of sanctions against Russia and who work with us for a solution that will allow all profits from frozen Russian assets to be used to defend against Russian aggression and later allow these assets to be confiscated. This is also just.
Nowadays, the sense of safety and security for each person cannot be separated from the overall security situation in the country and the state’s ability to defend itself. I appreciate the Cabinet’s task to make Britain and the whole of Europe safer and more secure. I hope success will be achieved.
Our bilateral security agreement with Britain was the first and, in many ways, exemplary for other agreements. We in Ukraine are extremely grateful for such leadership. I hope we can achieve the main goals of our agreement during the years this government is in office.
I really appreciate that our Ministers have just signed the Defense Industrial Support Treaty. We always have to keep in mind that security and defense cooperation between Ukraine and the UK always matters.
I invite Prime Minister Starmer to visit Ukraine, where he can see that for all Ukrainians, it is a privilege, and we are very thankful to the UK and its entire nation. We can work out as many details of our arrangements as possible so that our people—Ukrainians and Britons—can feel the results as soon as possible.
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