Among all the European nations that have already joined the European Union or see such a prospect for themselves, Ukraine is the one making the greatest sacrifices for Europe. We are not simply carrying out internal reforms, nor are we simply going through a transformation. We are fighting for our state, for our independence, and for our right to choose our own path and to be Europe. And this right of ours is at the same time the right of every nation in our region. We are fighting for our freedom and theirs, for Europe for ourselves and for them – for the Baltic states and for Poland, for Hungary and Slovakia, for Romania and Moldova, and for the peoples of the Caucasus. That is why the fate of Europe is being decided here – it is being decided in Ukraine, in this war, and in how this war ends – and whether Russia will still have the strength and the desire after this war to threaten the existence of Ukraine and its other neighbors, and the entirety of Europe. That is why we must end this war with dignity and with guaranteed security. And this is what we will discuss with our partners during the G7 Summit in France, and later at the European Council Summit and at the NATO Summit in Ankara.

Details of the steps we are now introducing. The Ukrainian Army is changing, and each change strengthens our entire state. Thank you to everyone who helps us. Glory to Ukraine! @DefenceU

I thank all our people who are fighting for Ukraine, working for our state, and helping defend our national interests. And I thank all our partners in the EU and every leader personally for this strong step for the sake of Europe. Ukraine is defending itself and, in doing so, all of Europe – the idea that European nations can live united, free, and in peace. As we have said, Ukraine is doing what is necessary, and it is important that the EU is also keeping its word. The opening of the first cluster is significant political and moral support for our state and our people. We also thank Europe for all its other support – support that shows true leadership and helps us protect lives. Everything has also been done to open the next clusters. We also congratulate Moldova on this step, which we are taking together.

A course of action has been approved – to increase the financial sustainability of our defense and ensure the continued transformation of the Ukrainian Army. First – pay. We have the resources to increase pay in the military. The minimum will be 30,000 hryvnias in rear areas. The more combat missions, the higher the level of pay. There will be new, significantly stronger contracts for infantry personnel. On average, 300,000 hryvnias on the front line. Everything depends on our Ukrainian infantryman. The contracts will be structured to ensure clarity: contract terms of 10, 14, and 24 months with clear conditions – meaning clear temporary discharge. Guaranteed terms – and real temporary discharge. In addition, payments for Ukrainian combat commanders will be increased, and this should create a positive incentive to preserve command experience within the Army. Second, I am grateful to all the volunteers from other countries who are fighting for freedom in Ukraine. I have instructed that significantly more opportunities be opened for foreign volunteers to join the Ukrainian Army. There will be additional recruitment mechanisms to support this. Third, further simplification of transfers for warriors, more opportunities to advance within the Army, and more positive incentives to join the defense. I expect every element of the changes now being implemented to show its effectiveness this summer. The Ministry of Defense will present the details of the decisions.

Today, I signed a decree establishing a new special day – the Day of the Unmanned Systems Forces. From now on, it will be observed every year on June 11. A day of our respect and gratitude to the USF. For the first time in the world, such a branch of the military was created – in Ukraine. We are developing the USF to the max, and it is Ukrainians who have proved that through technology, ingenuity, and courage, we can change the nature of warfare. We can achieve objectives that were previously either completely out of reach of conventional weapons or extremely difficult to achieve and required an enormous expenditure of resources. In just one year since the establishment of the USF Grouping, Russian targets of various levels worth nearly $40 billion have been struck. Most importantly, these are different types of strikes, and each one expands our ability to save lives. The Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are truly a model for many other militaries.