President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a coordination meeting on the situation in regions that have suffered Russian strikes, with special attention to the Chernihiv region, where work to restore electricity supply is ongoing.
According to him, government officials and the Office of the President have been instructed, together with the military, to work on strengthening air defense, in particular protection against drones in western regions of Ukraine, as well as to expand defensive lines.
Zelenskyy also stated that, according to available information, Russia is preparing an operation targeting water supply systems in the coming months. In this regard, communities have been instructed to take a responsible approach to protecting relevant facilities.
The president noted that Ukraine is intensifying diplomatic efforts, particularly with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf, which are interested in Ukraine’s experience in countering drones. Ukraine, he said, is offering mutually beneficial partnerships, expecting support in return, particularly in countering ballistic threats and financing defense.
“We see that in Europe we are being blocked, and as long as this risk remains, we need to look for additional opportunities to strengthen ourselves. The Middle East and the Gulf are the right perspective, in our view, and serious opportunities to strengthen us,” the president said.
Zelenskyy also reported on ongoing work with European partners to expand joint weapons production projects, primarily drones, and on preparations for new agreements in this area.