Ukraine: April 8, 2025.. Volodymyr Zelenskyy communiqués

President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Belgium Commemorate Fallen Ukrainian Defenders in Kyiv

8 April 2025

President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Belgium Commemorate Fallen Ukrainian Defenders in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever honored the memory of the warriors who gave their lives for Ukraine.

The ceremony took place at the Wall of Remembrance on Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv.

Ref (with pics,.): https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/u-kiyevi-prezident-ukrayini-ta-premyer-ministr-belgiyi-vshan-97097

X - 0612 4.8.2025
Volodymyr Zelenskyy @ZelenskyyUa

Today, together with the Prime Minister of Belgium, @Bart_DeWever, we commemorated our defenders—the warriors thanks to whom Ukraine is alive, free, and continues to fight.

We remember the feat of every man and woman who defended Ukraine at the cost of their own lives. Eternal honor and gratitude to the heroes.

~

Ukrainian Defenders Captured Two Chinese Citizens in the Donetsk Region – The President
8 April 2025 - 15:30

Ukrainian Defenders Captured Two Chinese Citizens in the Donetsk Region – The President

During a battle in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian defenders captured two Chinese servicemembers who were fighting as part of the Russian army. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this during a meeting with media representatives.

"We captured Chinese servicemembers on Ukrainian territory. Ukrainians engaged in combat with six Chinese servicemembers in the Donetsk region – in Tarasivka and Bilohorivka. Two were taken prisoner. Accordingly, their identification documents, passports, and even their credit cards were found in their possession. These are Chinese citizens," the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he had instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense to contact China for clarification.

"This is yet another country providing military support to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Another after Iran and after North Korean troops. But there is a difference: North Koreans fought against us in the Kursk direction, while the Chinese are fighting on Ukrainian territory. I think this is an important issue that we need to discuss with our partners," the President emphasized.

The captured Chinese citizens are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine. Relevant investigative and operational actions are ongoing.

Ref: https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/na-donechchini-ukrayinski-zahisniki-vzyali-v-polon-dvoh-grom-97101

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Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.

We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it.

I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and clarify how China intends to respond to this.

Russia's involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting. This definitely requires a response.  A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace.

The captured Chinese citizens are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine.

Relevant investigative and operational actions are ongoing.

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Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s first visit after taking office is a visit specifically to Ukraine.

First and foremost, I am grateful to Belgium for the new defense package for Ukraine. One billion euros is a significant contribution, and it will truly help to protect lives.

Today, representatives of ten Belgian defense companies are in Ukraine together with Prime Minister @Bart_DeWever. We discussed joint weapons production and investment in manufacturing on Ukrainian territory—steps that will benefit all of Europe. Today, three agreements with Belgian manufacturers have been reached—we are signing the documents.

Our current defense potential is also all of Europe's potential in deterring any hostile activity against Europe.

Belgium has consistently supported us since the first days of the full-scale invasion—through defense, political, and humanitarian assistance—as well as support for Ukrainians in Belgium. And most importantly, as the foundation of our cooperation, is a sense of justice—a sense that Belgium shares with us—the recognition of the justice of our defense and the injustice of Russian aggression. I am grateful to all the people of Belgium.

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Last year, we launched a pilot version of a new app for Ukrainian schools – “Mriia.” It’s a unique solution, and there are few like it in the world – Ukraine is among the leaders in such technological innovations. We’ve brought together virtually all aspects of school education into one convenient digital system: learning materials, gradebooks, evaluations, homework assignments, and information for parents.

“Mriia” simplifies the learning process in schools and does so in a systemic way. It allows children across our large country – from frontline communities to every city, every village, and every school – to have equally full access to education.

Since September 1st of last year, 40 Ukrainian schools across six regions have already been using “Mriia.” This year, “Mriia” will become a nationwide platform. Already, over a thousand schools from across the country have submitted applications to join “Mriia.” Of course, the answer to them will be positive.

Overall, in 2025, we plan to connect thousands more schools to “Mriia” in 2025. Our goal is for every Ukrainian child, every parent, and every teacher in Ukraine to have “Mriia.”

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We met with representatives of Ukrainian and Belgian defense companies together with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. We viewed Ukrainian-made equipment: reconnaissance and strike UAVs, ground-based robotic systems, and naval drones.

We are proud that our industry has contributed so powerfully to Ukraine’s defense. All these “birds” are incredibly important to us – and very dangerous for the Russians.

We also discussed the development of Ukraine’s defense industry, opportunities for joint production, and localization of manufacturing in Ukraine. Today, documents were signed envisaging cooperation between the defense companies of both our countries.

New projects between our industries, private sectors, and governments are extremely important for our shared production and for the future security of all of Europe.