Dear Ukrainians!
The main thing for this day. Anniversary of "Website". Our operation, which changed a lot. Ukraine proved that Ukrainian long-range sanctions matter, and since then our ability to return the war to Russia has only grown. And this is right - in response to everything that Russia is doing. It was on this day a year ago that "Website" went into operation - it was already the final stage after long and thorough preparation. Forty-one Russian planes were hit - their strategic aviation. Just such planes that they use to strike Ukraine. Today I awarded state awards to those people who directly tried to make "Website" happen. I cannot say any details about these people publicly, and this will have to remain non-public for a long time. A special operation, a special regime of secrecy. But I thanked all Ukrainians. "Website" was the biggest and most unexpected Russian loss in this war. Proof that our asymmetric operations, our long-range capability, and Ukrainian creativity are really working to protect the state. Now our soldiers have the ability to reach Russian military logistics virtually to the entire depth of the temporarily occupied territory. There are practically no safe roads for the occupier in the south and east of our country. Another proof that there will be no quiet times for the occupier on our land. This is also reflected in the shortages, primarily the shortage of fuel in Crimea and in our other regions that are under occupation. The plan of our long-range sanctions is being implemented step by step. In January-May of this year, our soldiers were able to hit 15 Russian refineries. This is significant. There are already Russian bans on the export of aviation fuel and gasoline from their territory, and they are considering a ban on the export of diesel. For a country that was only recently called a gas station, losing even this is a significant story, a significant loss. Almost 40% of primary oil refining in Russia was out of order as of May.
Today there was a detailed report by Oleg Lugovsky - the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine - on the economic condition of the enemy. Russia will drive into this wall of real crisis thanks to its stupidity. We have been saying for a long time that the Russians must end this war of theirs, all formats of real negotiations, all formats of guaranteeing security, the format of a decent peace Ukraine has proposed. The only one from whom a decision is needed is the Russian leader. Who does not even receive all the statistics on what is really happening. We will make reality even more obvious. I thank our partners for their steps in sanctions and pressure. There is a new detention of a Russian tanker - thank you France. It is important that Europe takes a strong step and modernizes its legislation in such a way that such tankers can be stopped and confiscated. The oil that Russia wants to use so much to finance the war must finance defense against aggression. This is realistic to do. We also have information that Russia is looking for a way to get around the economic blockade – through Japanese companies, through some European companies, and also, unfortunately, American ones. Central Asia also occupies quite a lot of attention in Russian calculations. We know how to counteract this.
I held a Headquarters today. There was a report on front-line operations - I thank each brigade for the truly strong defense of positions. Kupyansk direction, Donetsk region, Zaporizhia, our other southern directions. Now the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the General Staff, the team of the President's Office - everyone must look at how to further strengthen the programs that are already in place to strengthen the brigades. Direct funding of combat brigades, fair distribution of personnel, conducting BZVP in brigades - each of these elements has worked well, and we need to look at the resources to strengthen all of this. We discussed the situation with air defense in detail - the systems, missiles for air defense that are available, agreements with partners that we expect to be implemented. The key thing is anti-ballistics. The Ministry of Defense and Ukrainian diplomats must be as active as possible. We need results from every country that can help us.
Intelligence warnings of Russian strikes remain in effect. A massive strike could happen - they have prepared it. Our sky defenders are 24/7 ready as much as possible with the available supplies.
One more thing. There is a movement to have exchanges. We are trying to have another stage in the near future. We also agreed with our partners in Europe about additional communication - there will be meetings, there will be results. I thank everyone who is fighting, who is working for Ukraine! And please pay attention to air alerts. This is very important. Be sure to use shelters.
Glory to Ukraine!