The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky recalled in his New Year's address the most important events that took place in the country over the past year, UNIAN reports.
On December 30, 189 Ukrainians were returned from Russian captivity in the exchange with Russia.
"1358 people this year. 3956 Ukrainians during this time. And I am not quoting approximate, but very accurate figures, because each of them is a person, our person, a very important person. With the return of everyone, we are bringing life back to Ukraine," he shared.
Zelensky noted the importance of restoring a just peace in the country, and also thanked the defenders, volunteers, partners of Ukraine and everyone who supports the country in wartime.
"Guys, this year you shot down 1,310 cruise and ballistic missiles, 7,800 Iranian "shaheeds". Bravo! Pride! Thank you! We went through this year together. We overcame everything that 2024 brought us together. Victories and failures. Joys and challenges. Tears of happiness when we succeeded, and tears of pain when we were wounded - in the heart," he added.
Zelensky expressed pride in the Ukrainian people, who demonstrated incredible courage, strength and unity in the struggle for freedom and independence.
In addition, the president recalled the shelling of Russian troops, in particular the missile strike on Okhmatdyt in July.
"This is how weaklings and cowards fight. We will never forget these children's eyes. We will never forgive them for this! When evil brings death, our response is a living chain. This is what the strength of Ukrainians looks like. And this unity of ours was visible from space. He saw what kind of people we have Okhmatdyt. How much stronger this child from Putin is than all their evil," he said.
Zelensky added that in 2024 the Ukrainian army began to use more domestic weapons. According to him, 30% of everything that the defenders had on the battlefield over the past year was produced in Ukraine.
"And you know, at that moment I was ashamed as a citizen that since the 90s the state has not noticed such our people. And I am proud when I meet them for a whole year and hear: they are glad that Ukraine needs them. And that Ukraine is again building its own missiles and for the first time making more than a million UAVs per year, forcing the enemy to learn Ukrainian. "Ruta" makes you tremble at the words "Neptune" and "Sapsan". A firing point. All these are our drones, arguments for a just peace," he emphasized.
The president also mentioned the Ukrainians who left the country because of the war:
"I know: all our people will be at this table. Those who are now abroad, but have kept Ukraine within themselves. Therefore, today, at the first minute of the new year, it will be "I will not die..." in Warsaw, New York or Buenos Aires today they will say: "Glory to Ukraine!" And the world will answer: "Glory to the heroes!"
The president also recalled that the United States resolutely supports Ukraine. He also thanked other partners of Kiev.
"I remember a conversation with Joe Biden after the Russian invasion. I remember a conversation with Donald Trump after his election. All the conversations with congressmen, senators, ordinary Americans, with everyone who supports us in the United States, Europe, the world - in these many and different conversations there was always unity in the main thing: "Putin cannot win. Ukraine will prevail. Putin must not win. Ukraine will win," he said.
Zelensky stressed that he believes that newly elected US President Donald Trump wants and will be able to bring peace to Ukraine. He believes that together with the US, the country will be able to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin and end the war.
In his address, Zelensky spoke of other countries that are now fighting for their freedom, such as Ukraine:
"And that is why today it is so important to support all the peoples who defend freedom. Who do not give up on it in Chisinau. Who are fighting for their future in Tbilisi. I am sure that the day will come when we will all say: "Long live Belarus!", he expressed hope.