Politics Selenskyj: Panic only helps Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the population not to panic. "The informational charge that was made today, the panicked messages that were sent out, all of that only helps Russia," he said in his evening video message. Russia is of course a "crazy neighbor", but this is just as true on 1001 War Day as on any other day of war before. The Ukrainians, on the other hand, should not let themselves be driven crazy - the air defenses will be further strengthened, he said.

Selensky made his statements against the backdrop of the closure of some embassies in Kiev, which had fueled unrest among the population. There is growing concern among many people in Ukraine that Russia could escalate the war once again after Ukraine used extensive Western weapons against Russian territory, according to media reports. Moscow had already massively bombarded Kiev with missiles at the weekend, even before Ukraine is said to have attacked Russia with ATACMS missiles for the first time.

In his video message, Zelensky also reported on further military aid for his country. Washington is providing an arms package worth 275 million dollars, which includes drones, artillery shells and Himars missiles as well as mines, which the Ukrainian president described as particularly important for defending against Russian attacks in the east of the country. During talks with Poland's head of government Donald Tusk, further Polish assistance was also discussed, he added.

Ukraine has been fending off a Russian war of aggression for more than two and a half years. The country is heavily dependent on Western aid.

SDA