Today's morning in several regions and cities of our country was, unfortunately, spoiled by the characteristic sound of the Iranian Shaheds. But most of them luckily fell short of their intended targets, - 30 Shaheds were shot down, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his address.
“I thank all our anti-aircraft fighters, pilots, and mobile fire groups for this result and for the protection of the Ukrainian sky. And I am especially grateful to the 96th Kyiv and 208th Kherson anti-aircraft missile brigades, which showed the greatest accuracy today. These Shaheds, which were used by Russia, are from a new batch of drones. This is the terrorist international of two regimes - they help fight against people. Well, both of them will be held to account for it,” Zelenskyy promised.
The President reported that this week would be quite active in terms of international events and negotiations. Ukraine will struggle to strengthen sanctions for all manifestations of terror against Ukrainians and to receive additional support for our state and our defence forces.
“Today I addressed the leaders of the ten states of Northern Europe united in The Joint Expeditionary Force. This is a format of cooperation initiated by Great Britain. It includes the Baltic states, Finland, Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands, Iceland and the United Kingdom itself. And my appeal today was very specific. Weapons, ammunition, new defence capabilities... Everything that will allow us to speed up the end of this war. Thank you to the participants of the summit for the fact that we were heard today - we are waiting for new decisions regarding the supply of new weapons,” the President of Ukraine said.
He emphasized that the key task of all of us now is to ensure that the world support for Ukraine next year will not only remain at the same level as this year but will increase. Specifically, by those indicators that are necessary to strengthen our defence operations.
This is artillery - more guns, shells, these are modern tanks that have not yet been delivered to Ukraine, these are longer-range MLRS, modern and truly effective air defence.
“Please, if your opinion is heard in the media, if you support the state in the expert field, you too can help get everything that our defence forces need. The main thing is to speak for Ukraine with one voice and defend our common interest: everything for the victory of Ukraine, everything to help our defence,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Bakhmut remains the hottest spot on the entire front line - more than 1300 kilometres of active hostilities. Since May, the occupiers have been trying to break Bakhmut, but time is passing, and Bakhmut is breaking not only the Russian army but also Russian mercenaries who came to replace the lost armies of the occupiers.
“Just think about it: Russia has already lost almost 99 thousand of its soldiers in Ukraine. Soon there will be 100 thousand of the occupiers’ casualties. For what? No one in Moscow can answer this question. And they won't. They wage war and waste people's lives, other people's lives, not of their loved ones, not their own lives, but the lives of others only because a group in the Kremlin can’t admit mistakes and is terribly afraid of reality. But reality speaks for itself,” Zelenskyy said.
The President expressed gratitude to all the soldiers who heroically defend Bakhmut, Soledar, Avdiyivka, Maryinka, Kreminna and the entire Donbas - the region that was one of the strongest in Ukraine before the arrival of Russia and which Russia is destroying until it is scorched to the ground.
Zelenskyy noted that on 19 December, more consumers than the day before were disconnected from electricity due to the hit of several drones in the morning.
“But repairmen, as always, work very actively, around the clock. They are trying to restore the power supply as soon as possible, at least at the level that generation can provide. It will be done,” the President promised.
He reminded that on the 19th of December - exactly on St. Nicholas Day - a joint project of Ukrzaliznytsya and UNICEF was launched, which can bring a holiday to Ukrainian children. Those who live near the front line and in the de-occupied areas. Special holiday trains in three directions. 19 December - Donetsk Region. On 21 December, such a festive train will go to Kharkiv Region. On the 23rd - to Mykolayiv and Kherson regions. They carry festive performances and more than 30 thousand gifts.
“I would also like to thank UNICEF separately for more than 100 million dollars of support for Ukrainian families. More than 120,000 families, in particular those raising four or more children, children with disabilities, can receive financial assistance. In total, the program will cover more than 600,000 Ukrainians,” the President said and thanked the organisation for the support.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also addressed the condition of Mikheil Saakashvili.
“I appeal to the people of Georgia, to the authorities of Georgia - it is necessary to show mercy, especially on the eve of Christmas. What is happening to Mykhailo now is cruelty. This does not suit Georgia. This must be stopped. Please make a decision that can save his life. Transfer Mikheil Saakashvili to one of the clinics of Ukraine, another European country, America,” the Head of State concluded.