President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to the Ukrainians, on Friday evening, about the situation on the front and about the progress made by the Ukrainian counter-offensive, confirming the conquest of the village of Andriivka, located 10 kilometers south of Bahmut. At the same time, he explained to them that anti-corruption measures and against the influence of oligarchs are also part of the effort to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, because these weaknesses have been exploited for years by Moscow to undermine the country, according to News.ro.
Volodymyr ZelenskyPhoto: Ukraine Presidency / Zuma Press / Profimedia
Zelenski announced that he had a new meeting of the Security Council where the front line was discussed.
Chief of Staff Zalujni and the commanders reported the situation in the main areas. The head of the Defense Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Budanov, had a separate report, and the Minister of Strategic Industry, Kamishin, presented a detailed report on the production of weapons and shells in Ukraine, Zelenskiy said.
“Every week we record the state’s progress in its own defense production”, assured the president.
Regarding the situation on the front, he emphasized that “there is a significant and much-needed result in the Bahmut sector” and confirmed that Ukrainian soldiers liberated the village of Andriivka. “The 3rd Assault Brigade, all the forces involved, the headquarters and General Sîrski, the commander. Guys, thank you all!” – the president sent.
He specified that active operations continue in the Klişciivka and Kurdiumivka areas, and the 36th Marine Infantry Brigade is very active in the Opîtne and Vodiane areas. “The area around Verbove is home to our steadfast warriors, thank you! Novoprokopivka area – bravo!” – detailed the president, given that the Ukrainian counter-offensive, which started over three months ago, has made slow progress, but lately there are hopes of some successes.
On the other hand, as he has been doing lately, Zelensky did not forget to remind Ukrainians about the importance of reforming the state and the fight against corruption, announcing new measures and showing that these efforts are also part of the fight to defend Ukraine.
“We are also working to strengthen Ukrainian institutions to ensure that our country is able to finally destroy oligarchic and corrupt influences. Influences that, in particular, Russia used for so long to weaken Ukraine and to constantly eat away at the sovereignty of our country. Today, I had a wide-ranging and informative meeting with representatives of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the government and the Office. We are preparing conceptual measures that will bring more justice to Ukraine and our entire society and guarantee the stability of democracy in our country,” Zelensky said.
The leader from Kiev announced that Ukraine is preparing for important international events scheduled for the second half of September. “Today we had several long meetings on this topic. We are doing everything we can to ensure that Ukraine achieves tangible results – both in the new defense packages from our partners and in the decisions of international institutions,” assured Zelenskiy.
He is expected next week in the United States, to participate in the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly, but also to talk with President Joe Biden and possibly for a new intervention before the US Congress in which he will try to plead with skeptical Republicans to continue consistent aid to Ukraine.
Zelenski also announced that he also had a meeting with Prosecutor Kareem Khan from the International Criminal Court on Friday, with whom he discussed “bringing justice to Ukraine, for all the people who suffered from Russian war crimes.”
“The answer must be clear, specific and completely correct – just like the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Putin. This is what the Russian dictator really fears. And now he is trying not to leave Russia, because the power of the law is there, and it is significant. And the world has every opportunity to ensure that the law defeats the aggression of the power of bandits,” said Zelenski.
