Ian Patton

Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit. I am glad that we are all together, and that this format – the joint work of Ukraine and countries of South-Eastern Europe – is active and meaningful. By working together, supporting one another, and building common security, defense, economic, political, and cultural ties, we make it possible for each of our nations – and for every nation in Europe – to preserve our identity and freely shape our own future. I am grateful to you for your readiness to continue supporting our fight for independence. And I deeply value our joint work – bilaterally, through formats such as the Coalition of the Willing, and through other multilateral formats.

Russia must get out of Ukraine with its war – we want no war. Ukraine has put forward proposals to our key partners, and Putin’s friends have also heard from us that a meeting is possible and that ending this war is possible. Russia must now take that step toward peace.

I am grateful that the International Advisory Group on Investment Attraction and Economic Development of Ukraine is working – and working actively. Today, together with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, government officials, and the Office team, we discussed two important points. First, a comprehensive economic strategy will be prepared. We need steps that will deliver stronger economic growth for Ukraine and create more opportunities for our people to stay in the country and build jobs in Ukraine. Second, we are preparing for the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk. The conference is scheduled for June, and we need to ensure strong results in the interests of Ukraine’s resilience and rapid recovery. I thank everyone who stands with our state. I am grateful to the members of the Group who took part in the meeting: Ajay Banga, Marta Kos, Rishi Sunak, Wolfgang Ischinger, heads and representatives of the International Finance Corporation, Bank of America, BlackRock, CITI bank, the EIB, Fortescue, General Atlantic, McKinsey & Company, Siemens Energy, Deutsche Bank, Vestas Wind Systems, Citigroup, Investor AB, Lazard, ArcelorMittal, State Street Corporation, and others.

Today I want to commend our warriors, who once again showed that Ukrainian long-range sanctions are working effectively. The distance was nearly 800 kilometers from Ukraine’s state border – the city of Kstovo, oil refining – strike confirmed. Overall, our long-range plan for May is being carried out largely in full. The key targets are Russian oil refineries, storage facilities, and other infrastructure tied to these oil revenues. I am grateful for the additional proposals from our special services. We will be acting on them. We will be responding.

Є хороші результати від воїнів Центру спецоперацій «А» СБУ. Уражено штаб російських ефесбешників та знищено зенітний комплекс «Панцир-С1» на нашій тимчасово окупованій території. Завдяки тільки одній цій операції російські втрати – близько сотні окупантів знищеними та пораненими. Росіяни повинні відчувати, що цю свою війну вони мають завершувати. Українські санкції середньої та дальньої дистанцій продовжать працювати.