Volodymyr Zelenskyy
ON THE RECORD · 124 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“convince Ukraine to capitulate”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-20
Zelenskyy said in an interview with Bloomberg that he believed Trump was trying to pressure Ukraine to accept Russian demands.
“This morning, there was a strike on an agricultural enterprise in Volyn. All necessary services are working at the site,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-19
Zelenskyy posted on X about a Russian strike on an agricultural enterprise in Volyn.
“In total, over this past week, the Russians have attacked Ukraine with almost 2,700 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs, and 66 missiles, most of them ballistic,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-19
Zelenskyy wrote on X summarizing the total Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past week.
“We are very thankful for this,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-19
Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that intelligence-sharing with the US had been interrupted but was later restored.
“If the United States will officially take the side of Russia, of course if these two countries will be together, of course, we will not prevail, and we will not be able to stand,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-19
Zelenskyy said US actions such as importing Russian diesel and waiving sanctions on Russia would hurt Ukraine.
“America should see that Russia is not taking any reciprocal steps in response to sanctions relief or agreements,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-19
Zelenskyy said Russia was not taking reciprocal steps despite sanctions relief or agreements.
“blocked for some period of time”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-19
Speaking on NBC's Meet the Press, Zelenskyy said US-Ukraine intelligence sharing had resumed after being blocked for some period of time.
“next steps in diplomacy”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-19
Zelenskyy said on social media he had spoken with US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about results of an October 9 negotiating meeting in Miami.
“Last night alone, there were strikes on substations in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa regions,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-18
Zelenskyy wrote in his X post on Sunday detailing overnight strikes on substations across multiple Ukrainian regions.
“Since the American President announced the energy ceasefire a week ago, Russia has deliberately attacked Ukraine’s energy and oil and gas sectors 76 times,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-18 · reported 2026-10-18
Zelenskyy wrote in an X post that Moscow continued to violate the energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.
“will start flowing back into Russia”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-17 · reported 2026-10-17
Zelenskyy said in Brussels that the diesel deal would mean cash will start flowing back into Russia.
“Has the speed been fully restored to what it was? No. Is the speed returning? Yes,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-16 · reported 2026-10-16
Zelenskyy told reporters in Brussels that Starlink satellite service was still not fully restored after disruptions affected Ukrainian military operations.
“ready and we will accept it”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-11 · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy declared he was ready to accept Trump's announced energy ceasefire.
“That’s what helps prevent the killings,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-13 · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy described the value of NATO early-warning satellite data that gives Ukrainians time to seek shelter during Russian missile attacks.
“Often when we destroy jet shaheeds, we use drones with Starlinks,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy explained how Ukraine uses Starlink-connected drones to intercept Russian drone attacks.
“losing a strong partner”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy said on a British television program Wednesday that his country was losing a strong partner in the United States.
“They knew what they did,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy criticized SpaceX and the U.S. for the Starlink restrictions, calling them troubling given Ukraine's reliance on the U.S. as a strategic partner.
“It's not about attack. It's also about defending the lives… People were killed because not enough destroying, not enough interceptors, including interceptors with Starlink, which didn't work.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy argued that Starlink restrictions contributed to civilian deaths by preventing interception of Russian drones.
“The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We're done,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that Ukraine would resume attacks on Russian energy infrastructure after pausing strikes for three days at Washington's request.
“Starlink was switched off.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-15
Zelenskyy lamented the shutoff while speaking to Piers Morgan about disruptions to Ukrainian drones used to intercept Russian attacks.
“A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv. Once again, no early warning from our partners,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-14
Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook that Ukraine received no early warnings from Western partners of a Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv.
“A targeted Russian ballistic missile strike specifically against energy infrastructure – the very infrastructure covered by the ceasefire announced by the American President,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-14
Zelenskyy wrote on X accusing Russia of violating the energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump by targeting energy infrastructure.
“This is absolutely unjust: when they are destroying our infrastructure, and Ukraine is not even receiving early warnings about ballistic missile launches.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-14
Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook criticizing the lack of early warnings from partners about ballistic missile launches as Russia destroyed Ukrainian infrastructure.
“The strike was entirely deliberate and demonstrative in its scale – Russia has never before shown such ostentatious disrespect towards the United States.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-14
Zelenskyy wrote on X calling the strike deliberate and demonstrative, accusing Russia of showing unprecedented disrespect towards the United States.
“There is significant damage to facilities and equipment – at 26 facilities of our power system and four facilities in the oil and gas sector,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-14 · reported 2026-10-14
Zelenskyy described damage from an overnight Russian attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure that left at least 600,000 people without power.
“This is what happens when Russia sees the prospect of higher revenues for its war machine.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-12 · reported 2026-10-13
Zelenskyy linked the Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities to the prospect of higher revenues for Russia's war machine.
“Today alone, the Russians have attacked 6 energy facilities in Ukraine. 33 people were wounded across the country,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-12 · reported 2026-10-13
Zelenskyy wrote on social media that Russian forces had attacked six Ukrainian energy facilities, wounding 33 people.
“If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire this winter, we will respond.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-12 · reported 2026-10-12
Zelenskyy warned at a gathering of European security officials in Warsaw that Ukraine would retaliate if Russia continued strikes on its power grid.
“It’s clear that Putin does not read Truth Social,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-12 · reported 2026-10-12
Zelenskyy quipped about Putin after Russia launched a targeted attack on a Kharkiv power station shortly after Trump announced an energy ceasefire.
“one or another leader”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-12
Zelenskyy responded to Trump's claim that Ukraine needed a new leader by saying it was up to Ukrainians to choose their leader.
“Ukraine wants peace. The question is whether Russia wants it.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-11 · reported 2026-10-11
Zelenskyy questioned whether Russia genuinely wants peace, following Russia's strike on a power plant in Kharkiv.
“Ukraine has proposed many de-escalation steps,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-11 · reported 2026-10-11
Zelenskyy said Ukraine has proposed many de-escalation steps amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
“ready not to strike at Russian energy, and we are counting on Russia’s similar readiness.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-11 · reported 2026-10-11
In his evening address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is prepared to stop striking Russian energy if Russia shows similar restraint.
“Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Zelenskyy said on social media on Saturday that Russia responded to the lifting of diesel export sanctions with deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia.
“Last night confirmed once again that in Russia, they take any easing of pressure to mean they can keep fighting, to mean they can keep dropping bombs on cities. Different signals are needed,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russia interprets any easing of pressure as permission to keep fighting and bombing cities.
“any easing of sanctions”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Zelenskyy warned that any easing of sanctions would play into Russia's hands following a diesel deal between Trump and Putin.
“allowing it to kill more, wage war for longer”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Zelenskyy said easing sanctions would allow Russia to continue waging war and killing more people.
“must feel its losses”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russia must feel its losses and promised to respond.
“I know they will propose this to the Russian side as well, or may have already done so. We will wait for the response. We respond positively to negotiations,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-04 · reported 2026-10-05
Zelenskyy said via social media that the Trump administration proposed a trilateral technical-level meeting by the end of October and that Ukraine responds positively to negotiations.
“It is obvious that the Russians are not preparing to stop the war – at least not at the moment,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-28 · reported 2026-10-04
Zelenskyy said Russia shows no sign of preparing to stop the war.
“horrific days and nights.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-04 · reported 2026-10-04
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and described the capital as experiencing a terrible situation with horrific days and nights.
“It is vital that Ukraine is not left alone in the face of this terror.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-10-04 · reported 2026-10-04
Zelenskyy said it is vital that Ukraine is not left alone in the face of terror from Russian attacks.
“Next year Russia plans to spend US$12 billion just on producing jet-powered drones and loitering munitions. And that's only one category of weapons. Of course, this doesn't only relate to Ukraine,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-28 · reported 2026-10-04
Zelenskyy said Russia plans to spend $12 billion next year on jet-powered drones and loitering munitions.
“He is looking for pretexts to wage war.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-26 · reported 2026-09-26
In his nightly video address on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Putin is looking for pretexts to wage war.
“It is essential that our partners not forget: Russia is escalating every single day,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-26 · reported 2026-09-26
Zelenskyy wrote on X on Saturday as Russian attacks killed civilians in Ukraine.
“If the Russians have chosen to make their strikes even more brutal, the world must choose stronger responses to keep the war from spreading further.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-26 · reported 2026-09-26
Zelenskyy wrote on X on Saturday urging stronger international responses to escalating Russian strikes.
“We are awaiting a proposal from the United States regarding the date, and the United States has suggested the Emirates as a possible location,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-25 · reported 2026-09-26
Zelenskyy said on Friday that Washington had proposed a meeting of Russian, Ukrainian and US officials in the UAE.
“not preparing to end the war – at least not at this point.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-26 · reported 2026-09-26
In his nightly video address on Saturday, Zelenskyy accused Russia of not being prepared to end the war.
“Putin always has some pretext ready – not to meet, not to hold a three-way meeting, not to talk, not to end these killings and not to stop them,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-26 · reported 2026-09-26
In his nightly video address on Saturday, Zelenskyy accused Putin of making excuses to avoid talks.
“Something always seems to stop Putin from saying, ‘That’s it. Enough. Peace,'”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy remarked on Putin's inability to stop the war.
“Putin spent 248 people for every kilometre. Does anyone still think he is smart?”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy highlighted the human cost of Russia's territorial gains in Ukraine.
“her readiness to work on adding more Russian names to the EU sanctions list”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her willingness to add more Russian names to the sanctions list.
“And that is exactly why we insist on limiting trade with the aggressor, and why we are burning Russia’s revenues ourselves,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy insisted on limiting trade with Russia and said Ukraine is burning Russia's revenues.
“Why should Koreans give their lives in a war in Ukraine?”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy noted that nationals of 47 countries are fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, including North Korean soldiers.
“We have archived footage of thousands and thousands of Russians losing their lives in kill zones. This is what Putin wants,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy described archived footage of Russian casualties in kill zones.
“Wars end through resolve and strength, not concessions to the aggressor's entourage,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy criticized the EU's decision to remove Russian oligarchs from the sanctions list.
“Can you even imagine him without war? He is ‘patient zero’, the one from whom war keeps spreading further. ‘Patient zero’ must be stopped,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy called Putin 'patient zero' from whom war keeps spreading and said he must be stopped.
“For nearly five years now, Russia’s generals have tried to carry out Putin’s crazy war,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy addressed the UN General Assembly, singling out Putin as the reason for the continuing war.
“a little more than 1,000 square kilometres [386 square miles] of our territory this year”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy described how much territory Russia managed to capture this year despite heavy losses.
“are not just statistics. This is about people”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy said the casualty numbers are not just statistics but about people.
“gives this war more time”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy called for sustained economic pressure, saying money Russia earned through trade prolongs the war.
“Ukrainians understand that this winter could be very harsh for us, but in response we will have no choice but to make it harsh for Russia too,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy said Ukrainians are prepared for a harsh winter and will respond in kind against Russia.
“except for one man”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-23 · reported 2026-09-23
Zelenskyy said no one openly supported the war except for one man.
“We are bringing peace closer for Ukraine.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-22 · reported 2026-09-22
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is bringing peace closer after striking two Russian oil refineries.
“We are taking the war back to where it came from,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-22 · reported 2026-09-22
Zelenskyy announced during Trump's U.N. speech that Ukraine had hit two Russian oil refineries in the past 24 hours.
“As Russia is escalating the killing of civilians – there have been more attacks overnight and into the day with drones and ballistic missiles – pressure on Moscow must be strengthened,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-22 · reported 2026-09-22
Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post as Putin intensified attacks on Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles.
“The peace track is our number one priority. There are ideas for de-escalation steps and for addressing fundamental security issues – energy security, food security, and the protection of human life. We are working together with the American team and are ready to take really serious steps,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-20 · reported 2026-09-21
Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post about de-escalation steps and security issues ahead of his meeting with Trump.
“could change a lot,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-20 · reported 2026-09-21
Zelenskyy said in a social media post that his upcoming meeting with Trump could help push forward stalled talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure, and our food exports must stop being targets for Russia, and this will lead to matching de-escalation steps on our part,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-21 · reported 2026-09-21
Zelenskyy said in a statement that Ukraine's energy sector, critical infrastructure, and food exports must stop being targets for Russia.
“ideas on the table for bringing peace closer, starting with strong de-escalation steps”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-21 · reported 2026-09-21
Zelenskyy said on Monday that negotiations were continuing and there were ideas on the table for bringing peace closer.
“an extremely powerful tool”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-19
Zelenskyy had lobbied lawmakers ahead of the vote and called the sanctions legislation an extremely powerful tool.
“genuinely ready to stop this war aimed at destroying life, and to do so for real and for the long term”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-14 · reported 2026-09-15
Zelenskyy said Ukraine's halting of attacks would depend on the US ensuring Russia is genuinely ready to stop the war.
“We expect to see the first practical results. I am grateful to Norway for hosting this meeting. I thank our partners for their readiness to work together. Protecting Europe’s skies is our shared responsibility,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-09
Zelenskyy posted on social media about his meeting in Oslo with Store and defence industry executives regarding the FREYJA anti-ballistic system programme.
“If the war drags on until winter — and that is how things currently look — we will need a 'winter package',”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-06 · reported 2026-09-07
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would need additional military aid if the war continues into winter.
“Here we are all on the same side,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-06 · reported 2026-09-07
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude that representatives of European nations were in Kyiv for the talks.
“Our proposals are ready,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-06 · reported 2026-09-06
Zelenskyy added on X that Ukraine's proposals were ready ahead of the Kyiv talks.
“It is important to work in a coordinated, substantive, and realistic manner.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-06 · reported 2026-09-06
Zelenskyy added on X that Ukraine's proposals were ready ahead of the Kyiv talks.
“We are interested in bringing the end of the war closer. Peace is needed. Security guarantees are needed. A dignified character of the postwar peace is needed.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-06 · reported 2026-09-06
Zelenskyy wrote on X that Ukraine was prepared for discussions with the U.S. envoys.
“Ukraine has always been and will remain constructive,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-09-06 · reported 2026-09-06
Zelenskyy wrote on X ahead of the arrival of U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner for talks in Kyiv.
“terrible negligence on the part of those who stored explosives right next to people.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-29
Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the decision to store explosives in close proximity to residential areas.
“The first strike was on an ammunition storage site that definitely shouldn’t have been there – a Defense Forces storage facility. Shells, mines, other ammunition, and drones detonated.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-29 · reported 2026-08-29
Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed in a social media post that the hit facility was an unauthorized ammunition storage site.
“There must be more. We have a very specific goal, and we will achieve it.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-29
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's determination to increase daily long-range drone launches.
“Those who allowed this to happen must be held accountable for their decisions,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-29
Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that those responsible for storing ammunition near civilians must face accountability.
“Right now, we average over 300 of our long-range sanctions,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-29
Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine's current volume of long-range drone strikes against Russian targets.
“No nation in a war like this could rely solely on its own weapons,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-24 · reported 2026-08-24
Zelenskyy spoke about Ukraine's reliance on international support during the war.
“We all understand that in this Russian war against us — against Ukraine — far more is being decided than the future of Ukraine and Eastern Europe,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-24 · reported 2026-08-24
Zelenskyy delivered a speech at Kyiv's St. Sophia Square on Ukraine's Independence Day.
“No nation could withstand attacks of such intensity without the world’s help.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-24 · reported 2026-08-24
Zelenskyy spoke about Ukraine's reliance on international support during the war.
“symbolises what is most precious”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-23 · reported 2026-08-23
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed military personnel during National Flag Day ceremonies in Kyiv.
“Attacks like these are nothing less than terrorist acts,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the Russian drone strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih.
“preparing decisions within the diplomatic team”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21
Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed ongoing diplomatic adjustments within his administration.
“The world must respond to them accordingly – with real pressure on the aggressor. For peace to be possible, Russia must face real accountability,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for international pressure and accountability against Russia following the attack on Kryvyi Rih.
“New approaches are needed in some areas, particularly in the United States,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for new approaches regarding diplomatic efforts with the United States.
“The attack was massive -- the Russians prepared for a long time and combined different types of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones to inflict as much damage as possible on civilian infrastructure.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20
Zelenskyy characterized the overnight attack as massive and involving multiple missile and drone types.
“It was a massive attack,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on social media regarding a deadly Russian aerial attack on Kyiv.
“As long as Ukraine lacks sufficient anti-ballistic defenses, Russia will not seriously consider peace. We are doing everything we can to ensure protection, and work on the FREYJA program continues every day. However, interceptors for 'Patriot' systems are not yet available, and they are needed every day,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20
Zelenskyy said Ukraine's anti-ballistic defenses remain insufficient and Patriot interceptors are still needed.
“We cannot simply stand by idly and watch as the Russians destroy lives with ballistic missiles. Ukrainian soldiers can operate effectively when the courage and professionalism of our people are supported by the appropriate assistance from our partners,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20
Zelenskyy called for continued international assistance to support Ukrainian soldiers against ballistic missile attacks.
“Unfortunately, while Moscow is investing in ballistics and escalation, there isn't always the necessary response from the world to such attacks,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20
Zelenskyy appealed to foreign partners for more support, criticizing the lack of world response to Russian ballistic missile investment.
“entirely dependent on the supply of missiles for 'Patriot' systems to Ukraine, and therefore, it depends on our partners.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20
In a later post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's defense against ballistic missiles depends on partners supplying Patriot missiles.
“Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-20
Zelenskyy commented on Khmara's confirmation as defence minister.
“Throughout the night, our emergency services have been working at the sites of Russian strikes,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-20
Zelenskyy described emergency services responding to Russian strikes on Kyiv in a social media post.
“Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-19 · reported 2026-08-20
Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed parliament's confirmation of the new defence minister.
“had been preparing (it) for a long time, combining different types of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, aiming to cause as much damage as possible to civilian infrastructure.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the preparation and weapons combination used in Russia's barrage against civilian infrastructure.
“carried out a unique operation targeting the naval base in Novorossiysk — the last major stronghold of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-12 · reported 2026-08-12
Zelenskyy said in a social media post Wednesday that the Ukrainian military carried out a unique operation targeting the naval base in Novorossiysk.
“an additional rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand Russians by the end of the year,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-11 · reported 2026-08-12
Zelenskyy said Tuesday night on social media that Putin is planning an additional mobilization, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports.
“We do deliver entirely justified responses, and every Russian strike will be met with our response. Russia's war will be felt more and more at their own home – in Russia,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-09 · reported 2026-08-10
Zelenskyy said late Sunday on social media that Russia's war would increasingly be felt inside Russia.
“The only reason this is still continuing is Russia's unwillingness to end this war.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-09 · reported 2026-08-10
Zelenskyy said late Sunday on social media that the war continues only because Russia is unwilling to end it.
“We are working as hard as possible with all partners who can assist with the supply of interceptor missiles to protect against such insane Russian strikes targeting life, people, and civilian facilities,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-05 · reported 2026-08-06
Zelenskyy said on social media late Wednesday that Ukraine is working with partners to supply interceptor missiles against Russian strikes.
“coordinated our efforts regarding countries that have the necessary missiles and the capacity to help.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-06 · reported 2026-08-06
Zelenskyy said he spoke with NATO chief Mark Rutte about urgently procuring interceptor missiles from stockpiles.
“Ukraine has this capability.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-06 · reported 2026-08-06
Zelenskyy made the statement in a social media post about developing Ukraine's own ballistic capabilities.
“Developing one’s own ballistic capabilities and creating a new anti-ballistic system is a task that only a tiny minority of countries worldwide have managed to accomplish,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-08-06 · reported 2026-08-06
Zelenskyy said he met with senior officials on how to accelerate the development of Ukraine's own ballistic weaponry.
“with substantial experience who is capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders' level and what the Ukrainian people expect.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-12 · reported 2026-07-16
Zelenskyy said each priority area of foreign policy would be assigned to a specific person with substantial experience.
“Ukraine is changing its political strategy.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-12 · reported 2026-07-16
Zelenskyy announced the change in a surprise statement as Ukraine appeared to have turned the tide in the war.
“new opportunities for joint production, the development of innovative defense technologies, systematic exchange of expertise, and the export of Ukrainian battlefield-proven solutions”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-07 · reported 2026-07-07
Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook about new agreements signed with Estonia, the Netherlands and Denmark in Ankara.
“The United States and Europe have enough strength to stop this terror,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-06 · reported 2026-07-07
Zelenskyy declared early Monday morning that the strikes on Kyiv underscore Ukraine's desperate need for additional military aid.
“completely refusing to end the war”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy accused Russia of refusing to end the war it launched in February 2022.
“Immediately after this conversation, I am returning to Ukraine.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy posted on X that he was cutting short his visit to Ireland and returning to Ukraine.
“all possible official and unofficial channels”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had used all possible channels to convey readiness for negotiations.
“Russia has once again deliberately attacked ordinary civilians and residential buildings,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-02
The president condemned the attacks, noting more than 130 sites were damaged across Kyiv.
“meetings and meaningful negotiations”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy said Ukraine conveyed readiness for meetings and meaningful negotiations through various channels.
“ordinary nine-storey residential building”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy described damage from the strikes on X, noting a missile had destroyed 64 apartments.
“stay safe and protect your families and children”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy called on citizens to heed air raid alerts ahead of the anticipated strike.
“We know that Putin has been preparing a massive strike against Ukraine for some time. That is exactly the threat we are facing tonight,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy warned that Putin had been preparing a massive strike against Ukraine.
“Today, we have information about another massive Russian strike; we have relevant intelligence data,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy warned of an imminent massive Russian strike during a joint news conference in Dublin with Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
“sees only further aggression against Ukraine and against other neighbours and Europe as a whole”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy · said 2026-07-01 · reported 2026-07-02
Zelenskyy said Putin sees only further aggression against Ukraine and Europe.