Stacy Linn Moon

I held a coordination call on the aftermath of Russia’s attack and recovery efforts after the strikes. In tonight’s attack, Russia used 36 missiles approaching their targets along a ballistic trajectory. Only four missiles were taken down. Unfortunately, there is still a significant shortage of interceptors for Patriot systems, and the United States is in the best position to help address it. At every level, we are looking for ways to speed up deliveries and get the necessary messages across to the American side – so that Ukraine receives the means to protect lives. This is especially important right now – not just ahead of winter, but also ahead of another joint effort with our partners to reinvigorate negotiations. Russia has a very particular view of diplomacy – as a subtype of aggression. By intensifying its attacks on Ukraine and our infrastructure at this very moment, Russia is trying to additionally lay the groundwork for putting pressure on Ukraine’s position and that of its partners. We hope that the United States, like our other partners, will act on principle. Technical assessments are ongoing at the sites hit by ballistic missiles. According to preliminary findings, at one of the key energy facilities that was damaged, the Russians used KN-23 missiles manufactured and supplied by North Korea. This is further proof that global sanctions regimes need to be significantly strengthened – against everyone in the world who provides their “services” in destroying lives. There were detailed briefings on the challenges Kyiv is facing. I instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Vyhivskyi, together with all the relevant agencies and the Kyiv City Administration, to prepare backup transport routes and additional transport for Kyiv. At present, such contingency plans are practically nonexistent at the city level. Ukraine’s Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi delivered detailed briefings on the restoration of energy facilities and the forces involved. The military also briefed me on the use of electronic warfare, and we defined areas for scaling up. There was also a separate briefing from Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Meetings in the G7 format are being prepared, and Ukraine will be represented. We are counting on new contributions from European countries to the PURL initiative – there are preliminary commitments. There will also be new energy support packages for Ukraine, as well as new deliveries to support our logistics. Thank you to everyone who is helping! Thank you to each and every person doing effective work for Ukraine and for recovery after Russia’s strikes.

Russia’s ballistic campaign against Ukraine continues, and unfortunately, because of the shortage of Patriot missiles, there have been significant hits. Today, Ukraine is generating more electricity than it consumes. But because Russia is striking substations and power grids, we are seeing significant shortages in Kyiv and other regions. The Russians are striking bridges across the Dnipro – from Kyiv all the way to Zaporizhzhia. During the night leading into today, the Kyiv Northern Bridge was hit. Six ballistic missiles were fired at the bridge, and four struck it. Our country will be represented in several formats in November that can bring Ukraine greater strength: the G7, the Coalition of the Willing, and Ramstein. We are working to make each of these formats as productive as possible. And the results must focus first and foremost on air defenses and energy.

Ukrzaliznytsia is truly one of the foundations of Ukraine, of our country and our society. Virtually every day, Russia is “hunting” our railway, all its infrastructure, locomotives, railway stations, and, most terribly, our ordinary people. Despite this, the state and Ukrzaliznytsia are doing everything to restore operations faster, maintain connectivity between regions, and find new formats to maintain transport links where the situation is particularly difficult. But, of course, first and foremost, we must take care of people’s safety and support those who work directly on the railway – on restoration. The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to provide additional monthly payments to railway workers involved in addressing the aftermath of Russian strikes. This is important, and it is fair. Among our railway workers are many people of whom Ukraine is rightfully proud. It is with deep gratitude that we honor such people today with Ukraine’s state awards. Thank you!

We fight for freedom and die for freedom. Words are important. Words from the United States – the biggest supporter of freedom – are important. Support is important. If the words against Putin and his aggression are strong, if a support package for Ukraine is strong, Putin will think twice, three times, ten times about whether he wants to attack or maybe this war has been enough for him. I always tried to make this point to the American President, with all due gratitude to him and his team: Putin respects only a strong position. Even from the enemy, but a strong position. We cannot end this war saying good things about him. We see it – the war is in its fifth year now. From an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN. (2/3)

Russia is preparing for trilateral talks by launching ballistic missiles at Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Repair and rescue operations are underway in the affected regions wherever the security situation allows. In total, the Russians used 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles, with all the missiles aimed at Kyiv and the surrounding region. Energy infrastructure was once again the main target. The capital is facing serious difficulties with its electricity, water, and heat supplies. Residential buildings and the Northern Bridge were damaged. A kindergarten was partially destroyed. In the Kyiv region, a substation connecting the Rivne and Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plants to Kyiv and Ukraine’s central regions was hit. Substations were also damaged in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv, and Dnipro regions. In addition to Kyiv, twelve other regions came under attack. Nine people were injured, including one child. I thank all our people who defend the country against this terror every day, work to restore what has been damaged, and do everything they can to get Ukraine through the winter. But when Russia is trying to plunge Kyiv – a city of millions – and the entire country into a blackout, Ukraine must not be left alone. We are counting on increased bilateral support from the United States. We are counting on the U.S. Congress to give more attention to Ukraine, because Russia keeps increasing the number of its attacks. It is important that support for Ukraine remains among the priorities of U.S. policy. We are counting on both parties to stand united on matters of security, support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russian aggression, and increased sanctions pressure on Putin. America’s resolve and consistency in supporting Ukraine are crucial in bringing peace closer.

Search and rescue operations have now been underway for three days at the site of the Russian strike on a school in the settlement of Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Russians used nine aerial bombs. They first struck people who had come to receive humanitarian aid, and then first responders and police officers who arrived at the scene. All necessary services are involved. It is an extremely difficult operation, very challenging, and it is being carried out under virtually constant threat of new Russian strikes. As of now, 40 people have been reported killed. Unfortunately, some bodies have not yet been identified. My condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed. More than 30 people may still be under the rubble. Unfortunately, there has been very little reaction from the world to this insane attack. But it, like thousands upon thousands of other war crimes Russia has committed against Ukraine and Ukrainians, demands a strong response. Evil always goes further if it is left unanswered. We count on a response – Ukraine needs air defense support right now. I am grateful to the partners who are taking such steps.