Headline: President Zelensky’s New Year Address: Resilience, Unity, and Hope in Facing Russian Aggression
Article:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has delivered a New Year message to the nation, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to 2024. In his address, Zelensky paid tribute to the Ukrainian people’s courage, unity, and determination in the face of Russian aggression.
Zelensky began by acknowledging the significant events of 2023, including the successful release of 189 Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity on December 30. He emphasized that each person returned is a testament to Ukraine‘s commitment to bringing every citizen home. Throughout the year, Ukraine has secured the release of 1,358 people, a figure Zelensky stressed is not an approximation, but a precise count of lives restored to Ukraine.
The President expressed gratitude to the nation’s defenders, volunteers, international partners, and all those who have supported Ukraine in its time of need. He highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Ukrainian military, including the destruction of 1,310 cruise and ballistic missiles, and 7,800 Iranian "Shahed" drones.
Zelensky also remembered the innocent victims of Russian aggression, particularly the children affected by the July 2023 rocket attack on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital. He vowed that Ukraine will never forget nor forgive such cowardly acts, and that the strength and unity of the Ukrainian people will continue to be a beacon of resistance against Russian tyranny.
Looking ahead to 2024, Zelensky noted the increased use of domestically produced weapons by Ukrainian forces. He expressed pride in the nation’s growing defense industry, with 30% of the equipment used by defenders in 2023 being made in Ukraine. Zelensky pledged to continue supporting and investing in Ukraine’s domestic production of weapons and technology.
The President also addressed Ukrainian citizens living abroad, expressing his confidence that they will continue to carry Ukraine in their hearts and contribute to the nation’s future. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to supporting all peoples fighting for their freedom, including those in Moldova and Georgia.
Zelensky concluded his address by wishing all Ukrainians a peaceful and united New Year, expressing his belief that 2024 will bring further victories and a just peace.
In his 2022 New Year message, Zelensky highlighted the resilience of Ukrainians in the face of adversity, wishing the nation a year of warmth, health, and happiness. As Ukraine enters 2024, the President’s words serve as a reminder of the nation’s unwavering spirit and determination in the face of ongoing conflict.
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- Ukrainian Defense Industry: Achievements and Prospects for 2024
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