It Is Right and Necessary for the State That Ukraine’s Veteran Community Be Fully Integrated Into Public Life – President’s Speech at the VII International Veterans Forum

22 August 2024 – 18:36

Dear defenders!

Dear family members of our warriors, our heroes!

Dear foreign guests!

Dear generals!

Friends of Ukraine!

It has already become a very important tradition that, on the eve of our Independence Day, we honor our veterans – our warriors, Ukrainian men and women who have done and continue to do everything to preserve our Ukrainian independence. Just as the heroic defense of Ukraine has become a fact of history, so too will the Ukrainian victory. It must ensure the preservation of our full state independence, our entire nation, and our true unity achieved during this time of Ukraine’s national solidarity for all future generations of Ukrainians.

Here, we have great hopes for Ukraine’s veteran community. All those people, who, both in military and civilian life, have proven that they care deeply about Ukraine’s existence and who truly understand the value of our state’s independence. Every nation that has undergone transformation and secured its place among the world’s true leaders has relied on certain key communities within society – communities of change. Today, in our country, veterans can become that community – every man and woman who, after defending Ukraine, wishes to become a leader of change for Ukraine. In particular, at the societal level, in public life, and in every Ukrainian community. So that the activity of veteran businesses, veteran spaces, and veteran hubs where one can receive all the necessary support, as well as the social activity of veterans not only guarantee the presence of a true, independent, and patriotic spirit in every community but also drive Ukraine’s development and confident growth – economically, socially, and culturally, which we as a nation desperately need. It is essential, because it is right and necessary for the state, for all our people, for our development that Ukraine’s veteran community be fully integrated into public life, so that those veterans who see themselves as leaders of change can truly become one of the most reliable sources of strength for Ukraine after this war.

This is the purpose for which state policy – Ukrainian veterans policy – should be organized. The core principle of this policy is respect for the defenders of Ukraine, their protection, and real support – effective, without bureaucracy, and equally with respect – genuine opportunities for further self-realization for the sake of Ukraine and Ukrainians, for their own development, for the sake of their families, their communities and our entire state. I strongly hope that this is how all the structures of our government – the ministry and the government as a whole, as well as local authorities in regions, cities and communities – will understand their tasks in veterans’ affairs.

To ensure this, today, by my decree, I have instructed the government to approve the National Strategy of Veterans Policy and the Strategy for the Formation of a System of Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life. These documents address all aspects of the interaction between the state and veterans, from the initial steps in reintegrating warriors into civilian life to the opportunities for veterans to enhance the lives of their communities, regions, and the nation. The details of our National Strategy will be presented by government officials here today, including the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, and all our ministers present at the forum. I urge you, our defenders, to be truly active and energetic so that Ukraine’s veteran community strengthens the further development of Ukraine.

And one more thing.

I have just returned from our Sumy region – from the border areas that are adjacent to the enemy, where our units are responding extremely effectively to Russia’s invasion, sending the war back to where Russia brought it to our land – we are sending it back home. This is absolutely fair. But beyond fairness, it is also highly effective. We must all understand that to drive the occupier from our land, we must create as many problems for the Russian state as possible on its own territory. And this heroic work is becoming more precise, more long-range, and more effective. Our defensive operations in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, in the south of Ukraine, our liberation of the Black Sea from the Russian fleet, our operation in the Kursk region, and our near-daily strikes on Russian military facilities – all this is part of our systemic approach to defending Ukraine and ending this war on the terms of an independent Ukraine.

I am confident that we will overcome this path, no matter how difficult it may be. I thank each and every one who, through their strength, resilience, and courage, ensure our nation’s progress toward its rightful goals. I ask you now to honor the memory of all those who gave their lives for all of us and for Ukraine’s future with a moment of silence.

We are grateful to them for Ukraine’s independence!

Thank you, all our warriors, all our veterans, all the Ukrainian people!

Glory to Ukraine!

Holland:

🇳🇱 @defensie is purchasing 51 mobile radars for drone detection. Later this year, the Netherlands will donate these systems to Ukraine.

We are grateful to our Dutch friends for their unwavering support.
This military aid will strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities in countering… https://t.co/vVimQXOtDd

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 22, 2024

Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics, breaks down the metrics on Ukrainian air defense efficacy that Colonel-General Syrskyi released the other day.

For the first time, Ukraine discloses real missile interception rates, moving beyond ‘all intercepted’ claims—average success stands at 43%

Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, reported that from February 24, 2022, Russian missiles and drones struck 11,879 targets in Ukraine 1/

Civilian targets made up 53% of successful Russian strikes, hitting 6,203 targets, while military targets numbered 5,676 2/ 

Missiles and Drones:

Total Missiles Launched: 9,590

Total Drones Launched: 13,997

Missiles Intercepted: 2,429 (25%)

Drones Intercepted: 5,972 (43%) 3/ 

Cruise Missiles (Kalibr, Kh-555/101, R-500, Iskander):

Interception Rate: 67%

These cruise missiles are more effectively intercepted, with a significant proportion launched at strategic targets 4/ 

Guided Missiles (Kh-59, Kh-35, Kh-31):

Interception Rate: 22%

Lower interception rate due to these missiles being launched at frontline or border targets with less layered air defense 5/ 

Drones (Shahed-136, Lancet):

Launched: 13,315

Intercepted: 8,836 (63%)

These drones were heavily targeted by air defense, resulting in a moderate interception success rate. 6/ 

Ballistic Missiles (Iskander, Tochka-U, KN-23):

Launched: 1,388

Interception Rate: 4.5%

Extremely low interception rate, making these missiles a significant threat, particularly to civilian infrastructure 7/ 

Anti-Aircraft Missiles Modified to Hit Ground (S-300, S-400):

Launched: 3,008

Interception Rate: 0.63%

These missiles targeted 4,293 objects, primarily civilian (3,196) but also military (1,097) 8/ 

Kh-22 and Kh-32 Missiles:

Launched: 362

Intercepted: 2 (0.55%)

These missiles, launched from Tu-22M3 bombers, require modern interception systems due to their speed and trajectory 9/ 

“Onyx” Missile:

Launched: 211

Intercepted: 12 (5.7%)

High-speed missile with a low interception rate, posing a significant risk to both civilian and military targets 10/ 

Hypersonic Weapons (Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal”):

Launched: 111

Intercepted: 28 (25%)

These hypersonic missiles mainly targeted civilian infrastructure, with a notable portion being intercepted 11/ 

“Zircon” Missile:

Launched: 6

Intercepted: 2

Struck civilian targets four times, demonstrating the challenges of intercepting truly hypersonic weapons 12X 

Source, in Ukrainian

Сирський розкрив, скільки об’єктів в Україні потрапили під удар РФГоловнокомандувач ЗСУ Олександр Сирський повідомив, що за період з 24 лютого 2022 року в Україні російські ракети та дрони уразили 11 879 об’єктів, з яких більшість цивільні – 6 203, решта військові -…https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2024/08/20/7471189/

The actual interception rate for short-range ballistic missiles used by Russia against in Ukraine is … 4.5%.

Again, this is why I argue that offense against launchers is usually a better investment than defense against the missiles. Shoot the archer, not the arrow. https://t.co/IGKMGWWelm pic.twitter.com/tJvEnMzozR

— Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) August 22, 2024

Moreover, Scholz, when pressed on why Germany won’t supply Taurus to Ukraine, used Patriot as a sort of excuse.https://t.co/yaOX5ScGQ2 pic.twitter.com/vc7HrtTjxV

— Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) August 22, 2024

Here’s all of Lewis’s second tweet:

I think part of my frustration is that I’ve sat in meetings where Ukrainians have directly explained that the limited effect of Russian missile strikes is less defenses and more their own heroic efforts to repair infrastructure to keep electricity, water and other services running.

This spawned a very spirited discussion:

I think “fools” is too harsh. It *would* be escalatory, but defeating Russian aggression requires taking some escalation risks. In this case, I do agree with you that targeting industrial production of missiles is a risk worth taking.

— Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) August 22, 2024

Maybe “fools” is harsh but a lot of the public arguments from D.C. are dumb – and I cant but wonder how these people would react if China started an operation to invade Taiwan, considering that just like Russia, China has lot of nukes…

— Jakub Janovsky (@Rebel44CZ) August 22, 2024

One more that that repeatedly makes me mad of Western support for Ukraine is drip-feeding the munition when a new capability is introduced (plus the targetting restrictions) – giving Russians time to implement mitigating measures before suffering significant losses.

— Jakub Janovsky (@Rebel44CZ) August 22, 2024

This statistic is of questionable utility in my view. It does not specify whether interception was attempted or not, and when they started counting. Remember that Ukraine had to wait over a year to receive Western missile defense systems.

We know that Kyiv withstood several…

— Fabian Hoffmann (@FRHoffmann1) August 22, 2024

This statistic is of questionable utility in my view. It does not specify whether interception was attempted or not, and when they started counting. Remember that Ukraine had to wait over a year to receive Western missile defense systems.

We know that Kyiv withstood several complex missile raids with high interception rates, including against ballistic missile targets. I would assume for Kyiv and surrounding areas, SRBM interception rates are significantly higher.

Generally though I absolutely agree with your point.

1. Read the article! It *does* have the date. (It’s the whole war.)

2. The data is coarse, but it tells us some interesting things. First, to get to previously reported intercept rates (~50%), one must assume Ukraine only attempts to intercept about 10% of SRBMS, which seems…

— Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) August 22, 2024

1. Read the article! It *does* have the date. (It’s the whole war.)

2. The data is coarse, but it tells us some interesting things. First, to get to previously reported intercept rates (~50%), one must assume Ukraine only attempts to intercept about 10% of SRBMS, which seems unlikely even accounting for the late start. Second, if limited intercept attempts are because SRBMS outnumber interceptors, that’s MY point about cost-trades. If you are losing money on the exchange at the margin, you can’t make it up the loss in volume.

I dont think you fully appreciate how large Ukraine is and how few of its air defense systems were/are realistically capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Even now, the vast majority of Ukraine has exactly 0 missile defense coverage.

So trying to intercept 10% seems…

— Jakub Janovsky (@Rebel44CZ) August 22, 2024

I dont think you fully appreciate how large Ukraine is and how few of its air defense systems were/are realistically capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Even now, the vast majority of Ukraine has exactly 0 missile defense coverage.

So trying to intercept 10% seems plausible.

The Kursk counteroffensive:

Russian BMP-3 shoots at Russian BMP-2 in Russkaya Konopelka, Kursk, while the Ukrainian Kozak vehicle retreats. pic.twitter.com/HlNYPLGvJP

— English Luhansk (@loogunda) August 22, 2024

🇺🇦 Pilots destroyed two bridge crossings in the Kursk region using guided aerial bombs.

📹: Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force pic.twitter.com/YfYBsH3yVI

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 22, 2024

/19. Russian drive across the bridge in Zvannoe before the second strike on the bridge (shown in the post above).

Video also shows that Russian infantry crosses the bridge on foot. pic.twitter.com/k5EV0Yr3Tm

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 22, 2024

Todays Ukrainian air strike with GBU-39 on Russian positions in Kursk region https://t.co/5gAyV4H1gG pic.twitter.com/vRO5ILSYIq

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 22, 2024

A crew of Russian BMP-3 fires at its own BMP-2 at point-blank range in Kursk region. pic.twitter.com/t1r3yVZ2cG

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 22, 2024

Kharkiv Oblast:

Ukrainian 3rd Separate Assault Brigade is advancing in Kharkiv region, regaining territories – the brigade’s official statement.

As a result of counterattacks, the brigade took control of the battalion defense area of the occupiers, enemy platoon, and company strongpoints and… pic.twitter.com/ObWGpaJ9Q7

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 22, 2024

Ukrainian 3rd Separate Assault Brigade is advancing in Kharkiv region, regaining territories – the brigade’s official statement.

As a result of counterattacks, the brigade took control of the battalion defense area of the occupiers, enemy platoon, and company strongpoints and advanced deep into the front by almost 2 square kilometers.

“The main objective of the operation was to bring down the offensive potential of the 20th Army of Russia. At the moment, this objective has been accomplished,” said Colonel Andrii Biletskyi, the brigade commander.

It is reported that in four days, the enemy lost lost three 300 military personnel, and a significant amount of equipment and weapons were destroyed or damaged.

“The uniqueness of the operation was that we attacked the superior enemy and won. The success depended on detailed planning, non-standard solutions, and coordinated work of artillery, air defense, drones, and intelligence. But the heroes of the battlefield were tank crewmen, sappers, scouts, and, above all, assaultmen,” the brigade commander said.

“The assault actions have deflected the enemy’s blow from the direction of Makiivka and relieved tension from other critical sections of the front in the lines of neighboring brigades.

Now, the occupiers are intensifying the use of aviation, MLRS, and long-range artillery. The enemy is trying to regain lost ground. But the 3rd Assault Brigade is holding the line!”

“Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade launched a counterattack in Kharkiv Oblast and advanced almost 2 square kilometers deep into the front line area, the brigade said on Aug. 22.” https://t.co/oPCWhJ4b3e

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj) August 22, 2024

The Kyiv Independent has the details:

Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story and is being updated.

Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade launched a counterattack in Kharkiv Oblast and advanced almost 2 square kilometers deep into the front line area, the brigade said on Aug. 22.

Earlier in the day, the brigade released a video showing what it claims was the first footage of an “offensive in full swing” filmed in the eastern region.

“The main aim of the operation was to bring down the offensive potential of the 20th Army of the Russian Federation. At the moment, this task has been accomplished,” Brigade Commander Andrii Biletskyi said.

It is unclear when the attack was launched, its scale, and the area of the offensive. The brigade said that Russia lost around 300 soldiers in four days, and “a significant amount of equipment and weapons were broken or damaged.”

Ukrainian soldiers also took control of a battalion defense area of Russian troops and some Russian strongholds, according to the statement.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

“The assault operations prevented the enemy’s attack from the direction of Makiivka and relieved tension from other critical frontline areas in the neighboring brigades’ zones,” the brigade said.

The village of Makiivka in Luhansk Oblast is located some 180 kilometers (111 miles) southeast of the city of Kharkiv.

According to Biletsky, Ukrainian forces attacked Russian troops that had superiority “and won.” The ratio of forces on the battlefield was 2.5:1 in Moscow’s favor, the statement read.

“The success depended on detailed planning, non-standard solutions, coordinated work of artillery, air defenses, and intelligence,” the commander said.

After Ukraine’s reported counterattack, Russia’s forces are stepping up the use of aircraft and other weapons, attempting to regain lost ground, the brigade said.

The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade is known to have been operating around the village of Borova in Kharkiv Oblast, as it reported the thwarting of a Russian attempt to make a breakthrough in the area in early July.

While initially gaining ground in May, a Russian offensive in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast quickly bogged down, with Russian troops reportedly suffering heavy losses.

The intensity of fighting had decreased somewhat compared to other sectors, though several reports of Russia preparing new attacks have emerged since then.

Pokrovsk:

Families with children are evacuating from Pokrovsk community in Donetsk region.

It is very scary for them to remain and scary to leave as they don’t know what lies ahead.

Russia continues causing pain to our people.

📹: DW pic.twitter.com/ImqmTFUowr

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 22, 2024

The Krasnodar Krai, Russia side of the Kerch Strait:

pic.twitter.com/b4Pd5n4pGy

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) August 22, 2024

Conro Trader ferry just followed Russian warship. Loaded with fuel tanks, it was reportedly hit by a Neptune cruise missile. This was the only big ferry operating between Kerch and Russia. pic.twitter.com/VOw4z4EafI

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) August 22, 2024

No, it will not.

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) August 22, 2024

Russian occupied Crimea:

Crimean Telegram channels report huge lines at gas stations in Kerch after the ferry carrying tank fuels sank. Locals are afraid of gas shortages. https://t.co/doHPgHbiiP pic.twitter.com/YvujFt9O6N

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 22, 2024

Russia’s Marinovka airbase appears to have gone boom.

Marinovka Air Base near Volgograd got hit tonight. While Ukraine waits for the ban on using long-range missiles to hit targets inside Russia to be lifted, drone units aren’t wasting any time pic.twitter.com/r4I8C05UtV

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) August 22, 2024

10/10 Dostoevsky moment with a Russian guy witnessing the Marinovka air base following a Ukrainian drone assault.

“There it is flying by, fuck. Fucking flying over again, fuck. It’s all fucking fucked up! Everything. It’s fucked as fuck. They’re fucking bombing it since 2.30 am,… pic.twitter.com/FUkggkHYDi

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) August 22, 2024

10/10 Dostoevsky moment with a Russian guy witnessing the Marinovka air base following a Ukrainian drone assault.

“There it is flying by, fuck. Fucking flying over again, fuck. It’s all fucking fucked up! Everything. It’s fucked as fuck. They’re fucking bombing it since 2.30 am, and they still are fucking it now. It’s a serious tragedy, folks. This is serious stuff. It’s all fucking on fire. And it’s fucking smoke. It’s all fucking exploding. That’s it. The Oktyabrsky airfield is fucking fucked as fuck. That’s really something else. And all the new hangars, it’s all blown up in the air, fuck.”

Here’s some detailed reporting by tweet from Radio Free Europe‘s/Radio Liberty‘s Mark Krutov:

As for the hangars, they were under construction in January 2024, as shown in this crop from the January 14th @planet satellite image, so I assume construction began in November or December 2023. pic.twitter.com/hTbCFsc2Cv

— Mark Krutov (@kromark) August 22, 2024

The Russian ‘Fighterbomber’ Telegram channel, commenting on the strike on Marinovka airfield and the new hangars (which he says were ‘donated’), stated: ‘No, a miracle didn’t happen.’ https://t.co/59tGlmA090 https://t.co/2tAoO7Zru0 pic.twitter.com/TKBMNpI0yF

— Mark Krutov (@kromark) August 22, 2024

A few OTG photos of the Marinovka airfield after Ukrainian strike (https://t.co/KKbWhFkZ1n) pic.twitter.com/aQDhblq3qT

— Mark Krutov (@kromark) August 22, 2024

A few OTG photos of the Marinovka airfield after Ukrainian strike (https://t.co/KKbWhFkZ1n) pic.twitter.com/aQDhblq3qT

— Mark Krutov (@kromark) August 22, 2024

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets or videos tonight. Here is some adjacent material.

Tens of thousands of civilians are now evacuating from Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, scenes reminiscent of 2022. We delivered food to families fleeing with their pets.

For those European nations tiring of helping Ukraine stop Russia—are you prepared for another surge of refugees? pic.twitter.com/3Nn8jJ8FvQ

— Nate Mook (@natemook) August 22, 2024

Here’s how the Hachiko team sets up a new feeding station with your support—this one in eastern Ukraine. Look at how quick the dogs come! 🐕 pic.twitter.com/xRc8d8ZyuE

— Nate Mook (@natemook) August 18, 2024

Open thread!