Today, the Russians carried out an absolutely vile strike on Sumy – right in a residential area.

Today, the Russians carried out an absolutely vile strike on Sumy – right in a residential area. And they don’t even bother coming up with a reason for these strikes anymore, or even disguising them. Four aerial bombs. Tragically, a life was lost – one of the bombs hit a residential building and killed one person. Another bomb hit a school – an ordinary school, with children there at that very moment. The building was heavily damaged, but the children and teachers were in the shelter – and, fortunately, thanks to that, no one at the school was injured. Kyiv was hit again overnight with ballistic missiles and drones. And some were intercepted. It is important that the ballistic missiles were intercepted as well.

More than a hundred drones have also been launched today, just since this morning. As of 6 p.m., 29 of them were jet-powered, and 18 of those were shot down. Most of the regular “shaheds” were also downed. We are preparing new talks, including on air defense and further support for Ukraine, that will take place this week. I want to thank all our partners who are truly delivering on our agreements and supplying air defense interceptors.

Just recently, a package of missiles for NASAMS arrived in Ukraine – thank you. A very good package. We are talking with all our partners to make sure we have the necessary missiles for Patriots as well.

Belgium has also made a decision today regarding F-16s. We will receive three more aircraft this year, and this will, in particular, further strengthen our air defense: combat aircraft are currently used to intercept “shaheds.” Today, I also thank the European Commission – the European Union – for preparing a decision on another tranche of financial support. Last week, we received €3.3 billion for weapons, and in the coming days we expect some good financial news from Brussels – specifically, budget support – another tranche. Thank you.