Zelensky to local authorities: "Instead of helping soldiers, people see who is paving"

President Zelensky visited Ivano-Frankivsk on July 30 and held a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Ukraine there.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Frankivsk in Podkarpacie and talked with local communities and partners about preparations for winter, replacing "paving stones" in cities and other important matters.

The head of state announced this on his official telegram channel.

“Today we are working in Frankowsko, in Podkarpacie. I had the honor of visiting our soldiers who are recovering from injuries. I thanked them for protecting the state, for their strength. And thanks for the chevrons, guys! I thanked our doctors, nurses - we are proud of our doctors, all those who save lives" Zelensky said.

A meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Ukraine was also held in Frankivsk. A very substantive conversation took place with representatives of the community, state officials, representatives of the armed forces and security forces, as well as partners of Ukraine cooperating with the Congress.

“The first is energy, preparation for winter. Russian aggression has gone bankrupt. Today is the 522nd day on the battlefield as the so-called "special military operation" is underway. The Russian leadership expected a week or two, and Ukraine is getting stronger. The war is gradually returning to Russian territory, to its strategic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process” Zelensky said.

He stressed that today Ukrainians should be aware that, like last year, Russian terrorists could still attack Ukrainian energy and critical facilities this winter.

“Today we spoke with the communities about the current state of preparation of all possible scenarios. We also discussed the urgent redevelopment, including energy, of various life support systems in the communities. It is very important that local governments throughout the country, already in summer and in September, be as active as possible in everything that needs to be done before the cold months of the year, stressed the head of state.

According to the president, they also discussed the state budget, which is insufficient. Zelensky says that state officials will help with this, and the municipality can solve many other problems with its own money.

“People see who is paving instead of helping soldiers, who is spending on bot farms instead of drones for the frontline, who is investing in related businesses instead of rebuilding hospitals and rehabilitating soldiers. The number one priority is defense, protection of the state and people. I'm sure everyone heard it on the spot" the president stressed.

"Everyone understands what's going on. Paving, beautifying cities, fountains will wait"

The head of state also discussed the situation at the front: “Thank you all for this day at the front – a good, strong day. Bakhmut's area, other very hot and painful areas of Donbas: Avdiivka, Maryinka and, of course, the southern areas. The 5th Assault Brigade, 80th, 92nd and 110th separate mechanized brigades are very strong. Marines of the 35th and 36th brigades, paratroopers of the famous "Simdesyatdevyatka", 47th separate mechanized brigade, artillerymen of the 55th separate brigade Well done soldiers! And today I would especially like to mention the special unit "Artan" and the 9th unit of GUR - thank you!"

“Everyone understands what's going on. Paving, beautifying cities, fountains will wait - victory first" Zelensky said.