Lt. Ben Hodges

Finland is a leader of the Shelter Coalition, and we have an agreement to work within this Coalition to secure additional funding for shelter construction in Ukraine. Construction is already underway in different regions of our country – various projects. Some will be completed in the near future, while others are more complex – particularly shelters in hospitals – and are still under construction. We are also placing emphasis on providing mobile shelters. The fact is that the Shelter Coalition has begun its work. We agreed that Finland will try to organize an international meeting with other countries participating in the Coalition. There are currently 16 members, and the Coalition will expand. We need meetings and formats to secure more funding for these unquestionably important projects. Of all countries in Europe, Finland has the greatest experience and the highest quality of shelter construction. I said this during a press conference with Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo.

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)

I spoke with Chancellor Friedrich Merz @bundeskanzler. I am grateful for his solidarity with Ukraine and support for our people. We discussed how Russia is responding to President Trump’s statement on an energy ceasefire with new attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. This is exactly how the Russians behave when pressure eases. It is very important that Europe continue to act on principle. Germany is working to organize a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It is equally important to work through all other formats that can strengthen Ukraine and all of Europe. We agreed to hold a meeting of national security advisors in the E3–Ukraine format. We also discussed support for Ukraine’s financial resilience. We will discuss everything in greater detail during our meeting this week. Thank you, Friedrich! Thank you, Germany!

Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia. As of now, sadly, twelve people have been confirmed killed, including three children. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. Another fourteen people have been injured, and two of them are in critical condition – the doctors are fighting to save their lives. The status of twelve more people who may have been there is still being verified. All emergency services are at the scene, and search-and-rescue operations are underway. Overnight, thirteen of our regions came under attack. Residential buildings, infrastructure, and railway facilities have been damaged. Last night confirmed once again that in Russia, they take any easing of pressure to mean they can keep fighting, to mean they can keep dropping bombs on cities. Different signals are needed. Russia must understand that it needs to stop the war, and for that to happen, Russia must feel its losses. Right now, it is our long-range capabilities that are ensuring this. And we will respond to Russian strikes. I thank everyone who is helping.