Address by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov

«Dear Ukrainians!

Many of us will have a hard time saying what day of week it is. But most of us know that the 16-th day of resistance against the Russian invasion has started.

The situation at the front lines is and will be complicated. There are many Russian occupants. Yet. But they have already lost the initiative.

Our soldiers are actively defending and conducting successful counterattacks in all directions.

The video of Russian tank units near Brovary running away will be engraved in the memory of the whole world as the real state of the planet`s “second army”.

It seems that the once glorious Taman division established a long time ago in Kharkiv

will end its “glorious” path at the very same place, in Kharkiv. The same goes for the Kantemirov division.

In the Chernihiv region, our defenders have been significantly strengthened by captured Russian armored vehicles. The Air Force continues to destroy enemy aircrafts.

Having received a rebuff on the battlefield, the enemy intensified terrorist attacks and the killing of civilians. Systematic strikes on Kharkiv, the attack on Dnipro and other cities prove that. Relevant work will be conducted regarding all war criminals. None of them will be able to hide.

The situation in Mariupol is very difficult. The enemy is holding the city hostage by performing real acts of genocide.

We are trying to provide humanitarian corridors. But it is extremely difficult: the Russians are bombing the city even during official negotiations. They have no dignity, no honor, no mercy.

The enemy is trying to deploy police infrastructure in the territories of South Ukraine that are temporarily taken. I am sure they will have to wrap it up. Quickly.

Our separate line of work is providing support to the army in conditions when the first strike is repelled, the enemy is restrained, and the war moves to another phase.

Yesterday a month ahead of schedule, UAH 12.5 billion were transferred by military units to pay additional remuneration for the duration of martial law of all categories of servicemen, established pursuant to the Decrees of the President of Ukraine, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This is the first tranche for February - early March. After the systematization of combat orders, other tranches will follow.

Financial support for participants in hostilities will amount to UAH 100,000 per month, excluding the premium for destroyed equipment, etc. We make advance payments because we want the military to feel protected. Now not to formalism.

The system of defense procurement for budget funds has also been established. According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of March 5, 2022 № 201 “On Amendments to Item 1 of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of February 28, 2022 № 169” such purchases are not included in the annual procurement plan. We follow a certain procedure, we have constant work on procurement, everything is fine. Reports on their results in the electronic system will be published after the end of martial law in accordance with the Decree.

Our focus is to ensure that deliveries are guaranteed and made on time. This applies to everything, from food to clothing and ammunition. Substantial fuel reserves have been formed.

We are now fine-tuning the logistics, because many supply routes have changed and our troops are actively maneuvering. There will definitely be some glitches, but everyone is ready and willing to fix them immediately.

I want to thank all the citizens and businesses that help support the army. Our soldiers feel this support. That is why they have a completely different motivation than the Russian invaders.

Let us remain united! Hold the line! We will be victorious!

Glory to Ukraine!»