Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops continued, especially in eastern Ukraine in the Donbass. The command of Ukrainian forces in the region said on Thursday that 14 enemy attacks had been repulsed. The information could not be verified. As a sign of the intensity of the fighting, numerous civilian deaths were recorded again. According to authorities, five people were killed in the Donetsk region alone.
Russia always a danger
Ukraine may defend its independence, but neighboring Russia will always pose a threat, Zelensky said. “We will always think about protection. And we have to understand that there is no better security than the willingness of citizens to defend their own state,” Zelenskyy said Thursday at an online conference with university students and administrators.
External security guarantees
Ukrainian society has shown its resilience since the February 24 Russian attack. But the country also needs security guarantees from abroad. As a political instrument, these would have to be well thought out and designed to last for decades. “We have to understand that Russia will always be there. And maybe it will always be a threat,” said the Ukrainian president.
Financial support needed
For Ukraine, the Russian war of aggression means a budget deficit of around five billion US dollars (4.8 billion euros) every month. “In order to survive in the war for freedom, we need fast and sufficient financial support,” says Zelenskyy.
Together against Russia
Ukraine’s foreign partners should not view aid as expenses or gifts. “It’s your contribution to your own safety.” Ukraine protects other countries from war. Together, we must ensure that Russia’s aggression does not succeed.