“It is only right that the military together with MPs decide how the next year should be provided for our Defense Forces,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on December 26.
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
It was a difficult day. I just heard a report on the shelling of Kherson. The Russian strike on the railway station. An evacuation train. All services are currently at the scene. The number of killed and injured is still being clarified. There were many civilians in the area. All information updates will be provided by the respective services.
I held a several-hour-long Staff meeting, for the most part focusing on the production of our weapons next year. Every aspect – from artillery to drones and missiles – was discussed in detail, with thorough clarification on enterprises, contracts, and state investment in production. Involving everyone responsible for the result for the state. The Ministry of Strategic Industries, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the Commander-in-Chief. Together with the Prime Minister, we outlined the amount of funds to be allocated to the defense sector as a matter of urgency.
Additionally, government officials must decide on all the objectives for our diplomatic activities next year – specifically regarding agreements with partners on arms production, supply of components and equipment. Absolutely all plans, a clear algorithm of actions – all the essentials must be specified for our defense sector to ensure the next year is as productive as possible. Ukraine must produce, either independently or jointly with partners, everything necessary for protection against any forms of Russian aggression. We can provide this.
Of course, the Staff meeting included an in-depth discussion of the situation at the front – all directions, commanders’ reports. Special thanks to our Air Force for their excellent work against the occupiers in Crimea.
Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine
