Zelenskyy’s address: Russia rejects peace initiatives, Ukraine boosts its own industry

Zelenskyy’s address: Russia rejects peace initiatives, Ukraine boosts its own industry

The head of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his evening address on September 16, talked about the consequences of Russian attacks in various regions of the country and urged the international community to draw conclusions from the Kremlin’s actions. According to him, daily the Russians demonstrate an unwillingness to stop the war, while Ukraine supports all peace initiatives.

The address was published on the official Telegram channel of the head of state. The President’s Office also disseminated the key points of the speech, emphasizing that global partners must objectively assess the threat posed by Russia.

"Russian terror continues daily and every day Russians reject opportunities to end the war - to cease fire and talk realistically about peace. Ukraine has proactively proposed various formats to end the war. It is precisely Putin who is interested in killings. Every day this war remains only his war - a war only of Russia," Zelenskyy stated.

Reaction to the attacks

In his address, the President specifically focused on the consequences of night strikes. In Zaporizhzhya, at least 20 people sought medical help, four of them children. One person died. In Kharkiv, Russians targeted the buildings of the National University of Pharmacy, and in Kherson and several regions, shelling and drone attacks were recorded.

"In Kharkiv, there was a harsh strike on the city center - on the buildings of the National University of Pharmacy. Deliberately - precisely on this educational institution. There are casualties in Kherson due to shelling. A significant number of Russian drone strikes in the Zaporizhzhya region, also in Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy regions," said Zelenskyy.

The President emphasized that these actions are yet another confirmation of the Kremlin’s terrorist policy.

International dimension

The President reminded that Ukraine positively received proposals from the USA and Donald Trump regarding the cessation of strikes and ways to peace. However, the Kremlin rejects any options. Zelenskyy highlighted that the invasion of Russian drones into Poland is a threat to the security of all of Europe, not just neighboring countries.

"It is important that Europe felt that when it comes to Russia, it is not about any of its neighbors - it is about everyone. Otherwise, Russia will draw conclusions and only expand the war, and not necessarily against Ukraine," he said.

New Challenges

Zelenskyy specifically noted the report of the Foreign Intelligence Service on the situation in the Russian fuel sector after the implementation of sanctions. The President thanked Ukrainian drone and missile manufacturers, emphasizing that the domestic industry is gaining momentum.

According to the head of state, Russia is restructuring its system to be able to wage war at any time and against any opponent, so stronger international sanctions are needed.

"There is no friendly intent in Russia, and that’s putting it mildly. The system there is being restructured to have the capability to wage war at any moment and against any opponent. This can only be stopped with sanctions, strong world sanctions, and our long-range capabilities," emphasized the President.

Social priorities

The address also included an economic section. Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko reported on the creation of new jobs and the budget parameters for 2026. Zelenskyy instructed the government to fulfill all social obligations, increase teachers’ salaries and student stipends.

Next year, they also plan to increase healthcare funding and launch a state program of free medical check-ups.

"I have instructed to fully fulfill all social obligations of our state and increase support for people. Next year, we will raise teachers’ salaries, increase stipends for Ukrainian students. There are resources for this," assured Zelenskyy.