Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on the New Year and for the first time demonstrated the launch of a missile from the Sapsan operational-tactical complex
On New Year’s Eve, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi turned to to the Ukrainians. He summed up the results of 2024 and outlined his hopes for the next year 2025.
“Behind me is “Mother Ukraine”. Ukraine, which stands firmly on its feet. Does not bow its head, looks ahead, believes in its future and victory over all the evil that Russia has brought us. Ukraine, which is able to achieve a just peace, having shield and sword. Defending our people, our colors, our independence.” – emphasized Zelensky.
The head of state emphasized that 1,358 Ukrainians were freed from Russian captivity last year, including 189 during the last exchange at the end of December. According to him, in 2024, Ukrainian air defense shot down 1,310 missiles and 7,800 Iranian Shahed drones, which Russia used to attack Ukraine. Zelenskyi also recalled the rocket attack on the Kyiv Children’s Hospital “Okhmatdyt” in July, calling it the actions of cowards that Ukraine will never forget or forgive.
Commenting on the situation in the east of Ukraine, the president noted that heavy fighting continues there, but expressed confidence in the resilience of Ukrainian defenders.
“But we believe, we know: you will persevere. Our boys will persevere. Your spirit and courage will persevere. All the things, thanks to which you did not give up our Sumy and Kharkiv, our Kherson and our Zaporozhye this year. And the Russians really wanted it. But instead, you gave a debt to the occupiers, bringing the war back home, to Russia places where our answer, our justice, flew this year”, he emphasized.
Zelensky thanked international partners for military assistance, including the Patriot, IRIS-T, NASAMS, long-range ATACMS missiles, F-16 fighter jets and other weapons. At the end of the address, the president emphasized that Ukraine deserves peace and will do everything to achieve it.
A particularly painful moment was the reminder of the July attack on “Okhmatdyt”, which Zelensky called a symbol of the weakness and meanness of the enemy. The president assured that the evil that brings death will meet the only answer – the strength and unity of Ukrainians. He noted that this unity was visible even from space and was blessed by God’s power.
Zelensky mentioned the young generation, which, despite the war, continues to study, create technical solutions, participate in scientific Olympiads and collect funds for the army. He emphasized that it is for these children that Ukrainian heroes are fighting at the front, defending independence in difficult battles, especially in the east of the country. Thanks to their courage, it was possible to defend Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and turn the war back to Russia.
The President noted the achievements of Ukraine’s defense industry, which produced 30% of the necessary equipment independently, including a million drones and modern missiles. He expressed pride in the fact that Ukraine is once again building its military force, which is becoming a powerful argument for achieving peace.
Speaking about sports victories, Zelensky mentioned Ukrainian athletes who glorified the country on world arenas, raising the blue-yellow flag. He emphasized that sports achievements symbolize the indomitable character of Ukrainians.
The President assured that Ukraine will not forget those who are in captivity or in temporarily occupied territories. He addressed the Ukrainians in Crimea, Donbas, Melitopol, Mariupol and other cities, assuring them that Ukraine will return to them, and in the future the only thing that will divide people will be a lavishly laid table.
Zelensky paid special attention to international support, in particular from the USA and Europe. He expressed his gratitude to the partners who provided weapons, financial aid and supported Ukraine in the fight for freedom.
In his New Year’s address, the President of Ukraine for the first time demonstrated the launch of a missile from the Sapsan operational-tactical complex. This event confirmed the president’s words about the successful test of this complex, which he announced only a few days ago.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is reviving its own defense potential, in particular in the production of weapons and drones.
“Ukraine is again building its own missiles. And for the first time, it is making more than a million unmanned aerial vehicles per year”, he emphasized.
The president noted that Ukrainian weapons, such as the Neptune and Sapsan missiles, strike fear into the enemy, and drones, including the Horus, Vampire, Kolibri, KAMIK, and Lutyy, are becoming powerful arguments for obtaining a just peace.
At the end of the speech, Zelensky called on everyone to fight for peace and a strong Ukraine, which will become part of the EU and NATO. He wished that 2025 would be the year of victory and peace, for which Ukraine is fighting together with millions of strong, free and independent Ukrainians.
“Let 2025 be our year, the year of Ukraine. We know that peace will not be given to us. But we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war. What each of us would like. Both as the president of Ukraine and as a citizen I will do everything for this next year. I know that there are millions of Ukrainians by my side. independent”, – concluded Zelensky.
