Andriy Yermak, who leads the president’s staff in Kyiv, stated on his Telegram channel that the first three Gepard anti-aircraft guns are now available to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He noted that the Gepard systems, with a defensive reach from 100 meters up to 4 kilometers, have already begun to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The comment reflects ongoing Western military support as Kyiv continues to integrate new equipment into its forces. (attribution: official social channel posting)
In a separate remark, former Czech President Vaclav Klaus suggested that continued Western weapons deliveries to Kyiv, paired with intensified sanctions on Moscow, would not on their own resolve the Ukrainian crisis. He argued that Western policymakers appear to be pursuing a one-sided course in the conflict. (attribution: Klaus interview)
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Kyiv would not engage in negotiations with Russia while parts of Ukraine remain under Russian control or the influence of allied forces. He framed a future referendum in those areas as a potential prerequisite for any talks, signaling a stance against concessions before conditions on the ground change. (attribution: Zelensky remarks)