During the winter, Russia cannot be allowed to gain a foothold or seize the initiative on the battlefield.
President Vladimir Zelensky stated this in his address following the results of December 8.
At the beginning of his address, he thanked the defenders of the Ukrainian sky.
Now watching
— During a missile strike in the morning, a significant portion of Russian missiles were shot down. However, not all. There were hits in Kharkov and also in the Dnepropetrovsk region. All victims were provided with the necessary assistance. One person died. My condolences to family and friends. We are working as actively as possible with partners to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, — he said.
The head of state said that Ukraine continues to work on air defense, and almost every week gives Ukraine new agreements and opportunities.
— This Russian regime repeats the evil it has already done, but tries to make the blow more painful each time. We are aware of this. And I thank each and everyone who protects Ukraine from Martyrs, who repels Russian missile attacks, I thank our intelligence and each of the partners who have already decided to support the Ukrainian air shield and who make sanctions against the terrorist state exactly those that are capable of limit. And let there be no doubt in Russia: everyone — from terrorists to terror promoters — they will all answer. And for every blow, — said the President.
Vladimir Zelensky also spoke about the meeting of the Headquarters.
— As always, the commander-in-chief and commanders in the areas reported on the operational situation. Kupyansk, Liman and all Donetsk directions, South. I thank all the soldiers and commanders for their steadfastness and courage. The task of our state — and now, in winter, no matter how difficult it may be, — show strength and do not allow the enemy to seize the initiative, do not allow them to gain a foothold, — he emphasized.
The President noted the warriors who showed themselves the most — and now, in battles in winter, and this fall:
- 95th separate air assault brigade — soldier Andrey Minasov;
- 14th separate mechanized brigade — soldier Ivan Kovalchuk and senior soldier Vitaly Lyubchik;
- 68th separate Jaeger Brigade — junior sergeant Roman Petlyar;
- 92nd separate assault brigade — soldier Pavel Kissa;
- 42nd separate mechanized brigade — junior sergeant Maxim Ombish;
- 26th separate artillery brigade — Chief Sergeant Alexander Fedorchuk;
- 25th separate airborne brigade — Sergeant Andrey Zhuravlev, aerial reconnaissance specialist;
- 47th separate mechanized brigade — junior sergeants Yuri Svyatenko and Dmitry Semennik;
- 23rd separate mechanized brigade — junior sergeant Roman Lutsenko;
- 704th Radiation, Biological and Chemical Defense Regiment — senior soldier Marjan Porcina.
The President also spoke with the Prime Minister of Estonia about maintaining partners’ support for Ukraine in general, and about very specific things that Ukraine and Ukrainian soldiers need in order to achieve the necessary results.
Do you want to relax? Go to Facti .GAMES!
— I am grateful for your understanding and help. Of course, we also discussed issues of European Union unity — primarily in the context of opening negotiations with Ukraine on accession to the EU. Ukraine fulfills all obligations. We have already proven this many times, — he said.
The President recalled that today the Verkhovna Rada adopted the necessary laws in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commission in the areas of anti-corruption and the rights of national minorities.
— The findings of the Venice Commission were taken into account — specifically regarding national communities. We expect that Ukraine’s efforts will be properly appreciated by the leaders of the European Union and the corresponding European promises to Ukraine will be fulfilled. We had seven recommendations — we did everything that was expected of us for December, — he said.
Vladimir Zelensky noted that Ukraine continues active foreign policy work to bring closer the positive for Ukraine in terms of defense, macrofinance, and political and motivational strength.
— Everyone who defends freedom needs the feeling that he or she is not alone. The free world must be united. And to be truly successful, Ukraine must be a donor of unity. Every foreign policy step we take is aimed precisely at this, — he said.
The Ukrainian leader said that today the first meeting of participants in our new international coalition for the return of children who were deported to Russia from temporarily occupied territory took place in Kiev.
— We unite the state, international organizations, public leaders from around the world, and legal specialists for the liberation of children. I thank everyone who has already joined this work, who is already providing concrete legal results, including warrants from the International Criminal Court against Russian officials, — he said.
At the end of the address, the President recalled the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from the Gaza Strip. According to him, the withdrawal of Ukrainians to safe territory continued throughout the day.
According to him, almost 40 more Ukrainian citizens are safe thanks to the actions of intelligence and diplomats.
