A Dignified Peace Is Only Possible if Ukraine’s Interests Are Taken Into Account – Address by the President

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, I received regular reports from our team on work with partners. In Brussels today are Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and the Chief of the General Staff. We’re working at all levels to secure support – defensive, diplomatic, and support for our resilience. Andrii Sybiha‎ represented our state today in the Ukraine–NATO Council format. Rustem Umerov and Andrii Hnatov communicated with the national security teams of European leaders. The most important thing is Europe’s effective involvement in our defense, and also in guaranteeing security after this war. Activity is at its maximum to bring this war to an end. And from our side, from Ukraine’s state, there will be no obstacles or delays. We are fully constructive, very swift in working with partners, and everyone acknowledges this, including the American side. We’re preparing meetings in the United States – after the American team returns from Moscow and following the relevant consultations in Washington – Rustem Umerov, Andrii Hnatov, along with the rest of the negotiating team, will continue discussions with envoys of President Trump. We expect news in the coming days regarding such meetings, contacts, and talks – whether in person or by phone. All partners are in regular contact with each other and with Ukraine. Everything is now proceeding quite effectively – at meetings in Geneva and Florida, Ukraine was heard, and Ukraine was listened to. And that matters. We expect it will continue exactly this way. A dignified peace is only possible if Ukraine’s interests are taken into account. I will also continue, at my level, to engage with leaders practically every day, coordinating, exchanging ideas, agreeing on how to talk to other leaders and what can bring more security. Right now, the world clearly feels that there is a real opportunity to end the war, and current diplomatic activity in negotiations must be backed by pressure on Russia. Everything depends on this very combination – constructive diplomacy plus pressure on the aggressor. Both components work toward peace.

It’s also important that there’s constructive internal work in Ukraine. I thank the parliamentarians for voting on the state budget for next year. This guarantees that we will deliver on the financial work. The Government of Ukraine is working well with our partners to cover deficits. There’s an understanding of how this will be done. We are also continuing the full reorganization and cleansing policy of the energy and defense sectors. Today, I had a detailed conversation with Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko. I am grateful that all processes are moving quickly, including the reboot of supervisory boards in energy companies. The Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, will promptly ensure the reboot of supervisory boards of defense enterprises. We also have consultations on parliamentary work – I had a detailed discussion today with the head of the majority faction and other representatives of the Verkhovna Rada about the budget law. Key points are being observed. Thank you. In particular, everything concerning the next year’s pay raises for teachers is secured. Necessary support programs for the people are also ensured, including the check-up program – medical examinations for everyone aged 40 and over. The state covers the cost of this check-up, providing a great opportunity to prevent many health problems. I ask the Government to clearly explain to people how to benefit from this check-up program. Today, the Prime Minister also reported to me on the winter support program – already nearly 15 million Ukrainians are enrolled, with almost 3 million applications for children. This clearly proves the program is timely and truly needed. People must be supported. Funding for this program and all other support programs will be provided in full. Payments continue for those who applied for winter support via Diia and via Ukrposhta.

A few more things.

Partners have made decisions on arms procurement in the United States under the PURL initiative. Today, Norway announced a new contribution to PURL – thank you. Also Luxembourg. Canada is increasing its contribution. We know about Poland’s contribution. And just recently, the Netherlands made a decision. The first contributions from countries outside NATO are also coming. I want to thank everyone personally. I am awaiting a report on the full results of the PURL initiative. This is a special task for Ukrainian diplomacy – to keep up the pace in defense programs and projects with America and other partners. Diplomatic momentum largely determines the strength of our defense against Russian occupiers and the potential of our active measures, our long-range capabilities, and our protection from Russian strikes. Living next to Russia is dangerous in any circumstances. But Ukraine’s strength lies in our unity with the world and our own capability to set the agenda. I thank everyone who works for our state and for our people; I thank every one of our warriors.

Glory to Ukraine!