Zelenskyy Honors Fallen Pilot, Strengthens Sanctions Against Russia and Iran

Posthumous Award for Hero Pilot

• 🇺🇦 President Zelenskyy posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to pilot Maksym Ustymenko.
• 🎯 Ustymenko was killed defending Ukraine's skies during a large-scale Russian aerial attack, which involved over 500 drones and missiles.
• 🎖️ He is remembered as a brave defender who had mastered four types of aircraft and achieved significant results for Ukraine since the ATO era.

Stance on Anti-Personnel Mines

• 🚫 Ukraine has entered the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits anti-personnel mines.
• 🇷🇺 Russia, a non-signatory, cynically uses these mines, a tactic described as a hallmark of Russian aggression.
• 🌍 This political step signals to partners the need to focus on this issue, particularly for countries bordering Russia.

Sanctions Synchronization

• ⚖️ Ukraine is fully synchronizing its sanctions with the EU, implementing the 13th and 14th packages.
• 🇮🇷 Sanctions are also being 100% aligned with EU measures against Iran, targeting regime officials, companies, military production, and internal repression.
• 💥 Sanctions are considered a key priority to limit Russia's strategic development and its ability to continue the war.

Future Preparations

• 🛡️ New joint decisions with partners regarding Ukraine's defense and resilience are being prepared for the upcoming week.
• 🙏 Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to all who help and care for Ukraine.