Ukraine is not Russia. That's Putin’s problem – refusing to recognize a separate nation, refusing to recognize a separate country – that's what did him in. He was shown a military operation that was supposed to take three days. We found parade uniforms in their various military vehicles. They were literally marching to a parade. He still doesn't understand and doesn't want to admit that this is a different nation, a different people. They were advancing on Kyiv from all directions. Their main goal was to seize the capital of Ukraine. They reached Kyiv. They trapped us, and then we started hammering them, and they didn't know what to do about it. They were especially shocked when they drove toward the capital and people were just throwing burning mixtures. People were setting their armor on fire. It wasn't a matter of some general being an idiot. I believe the one who gave the order just didn't fully realize what was happening. Because what does taking Kyiv mean? When you've taken those towns on the way to Kyiv, you have to leave troops behind to hold those towns. And that takes a huge number of people. It's a pretty large territory. If the people inside offer resistance, then you need an army to hold every town. That was their mistake. They didn't even realize there would be resistance. That was their main mistake. That's it. From The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett. (1/3)

Putin wants to destroy us. He doesn't respect us, our sovereignty and territorial integrity. He really thinks that we are not a country, not a nation. Do you really believe that just the eastern part of our country will be enough for him? Then why did he go for Kyiv when the full-scale invasion began? Is that Donbas? No, it’s the capital. Without the capital, there is no state. And what will happen afterwards? On what borders will he stay? If now he's testing all these drones against European, even NATO countries? They are not loud for now. They don't want to escalate because they have one Russian drone, two drones, ten. But you will be very loud when there will be ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and thousands of drones. We had one thousand drones yesterday. But the American side said that it's difficult to speak with Zelenskyy. It's less difficult to manage with Putin. Of course. From a conversation with media representatives in Brussels. (3/3)

What allowing Russia to sell oil products means was heard most clearly in Kyiv just now, when, after repeated attacks on energy facilities with jet-powered “shaheds,” Russia launched a ballistic missile attack as well. Some of the missiles were intercepted. This once again clearly demonstrates Russia’s true intentions. They count on prolonging the war, terrorizing ordinary people, and destroying infrastructure. Every additional billion dollars they can earn from exports will be spent on nothing but sourcing and importing critical components and equipment to manufacture weapons, upgrading “shaheds,” producing missiles, and recruiting even more mercenaries to fight at the front. Russia’s choice is war. And they will be ready to end it only when they feel that their ability to drag the war out is diminishing. Unfortunately, the signals Russia received yesterday were entirely different – signals suggesting that it could simply keep attacking. And this needs to be corrected. Strong signals are needed from the United States, Europe, and other partners – signals in support of Ukraine and to RESTRICT Russia’s ability to wage war and terrorize people. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!

I met with Estonian Defense Minister Martin Herem. In practically every meeting with partners, we discuss how to strengthen the protection of Ukraine’s skies. Estonia is actively helping us in this area, and we are grateful for every defense package and for its support for the PURL initiative, which enables us to obtain ballistic missile interceptors. Today, we discussed possible new contributions and ways to secure additional funding for air defense procurement. The Drone Deal between our countries allows Ukraine to export its arms to Estonia. Estonia gains battle-tested weapons, and Ukraine gains additional funding for its defense. We agreed that our teams will move quickly to put together such an export package. I am also grateful to Estonia for its steadfast support for Ukraine on our path to joining the EU.