KYIV — President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday (Nov 19), stating that the war had reached a crucial turning point. He called on citizens to remain "resilient" and highlighted plans to significantly increase the production of strike weapons.

In a speech marking 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion, Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine would not surrender its sovereignty or territories and ruled out holding elections until peace was achieved.

"We are at a critical juncture in the war — it's a battle for who will prevail: us over the enemy, or the enemy over us Ukrainians... and Europeans, and everyone in the world who values freedom over dictatorship," he said.

Zelenskiy outlined a "resilience plan" for Ukraine, presented as a domestic counterpart to the "victory plan" he shared with Western allies earlier this fall. The plan, he argued, is essential to force Russia to negotiate a genuine peace.

While the full details will be revealed later in the year, Zelenskiy explained that it includes steps to stabilize the front line, advance military innovation and arms production, and strengthen national unity and cultural identity.

"Unity is the first pillar of our internal Resilience Plan," he remarked.

The President also announced that Ukraine would produce at least 30,000 long-range drones next year, an important asset in narrowing the strike capability gap with Russia and targeting deep inside Russian territory.

Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has ramped up its military production, with Zelenskiy noting that 40 foreign arms manufacturers are now working in Ukraine’s weapons industry.

Additionally, Ukraine plans to produce at least 3,000 cruise missiles and missile-drones, though no specific timeline was given.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters